Of Mice & Men

23 hours until I see these guys, Of Mice & Men.  I was supposed to see them perform at SXSW last year, but as soon as my friends and I got into the venue, they had literally just finished their set.  It was quite disappointing, but that all changes tomorrow night!  After eight months, I'm finally seeing this band.  The first song I heard from them was a cover song of "Blame It" (below) they recorded for Punk Goes Pop Vol. 3, and it isn't bad!

If you're not a fan of hardcore or screamo music, I suggest you skip this post.  Reigning from southern California, Of Mice & Men will be hardcore-ing it up as the headliner at Emo's East with my favorite band, I See Stars.  It's a win-win situation!  Their sound reminds me of Breathe Carolina (mainly because of the vocals) except heavier with a rock sound and more screaming.  I guess I shouldn't make that comparison considering Breathe Carolina has a more electronic feel, but I can't help feel a sense of them during certain parts of Of Mice & Men's songs.  The songs are very upbeat, and it will definitely get some mosh dancers dancing their asses off.  Not sure what to listen to first?  I recommend "Second & Sebring."

I know some people might think hardcore and screamo music as being scary - believe me, I used to think that - but it's really not as scary as you think.  If anything, hardcore and screamo music can help vent anger and emotions out rather than keeping it bottled up inside and explode later, and in my opinion it's better than listening to "emo" music and slitting wrists (no offense intended).

Of Mice & Men is currently on the "Outbreak Tour" sponsored by Monster Energy until November 29th and then will set off on the "A Decade of Destruction" tour by Alternative Press right after. Be sure to check the dates and see them if you can!  They also released a new album titled The Flood, so check that out as well!

To end on a lighter note, I am excited to see what these guys can do.  I have no doubt that I See Stars will be phenomenal as always, so I hope that Of Mice & Men will be up to par or even better.


("Blame It")