June 8th, 2010 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Mychildren Mybride
Album: Lost Boy
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Solid State
On the surface, metalcore is an idealistic concept as it incorporates a multitude of the finer elements of music, such as dual guitar harmonies, aggression, breakdowns and relentless double bass work. However, the main stigma that’s attached to this type of music is the endless stream of lifeless acts that ultimately fall into a pit of mediocrity. There are a number of bands that are exceptions to this musical plague but due to those band’s groundbreaking success, they paved the path for countless impersonators. Unfortunately, Alabama’s Mychildren Mybride have since adopted the prototype other metalcore bands have instilled and rarely leave their comfort zone or the constraints of the genre. Their debut album Unbreakable lacked anything mouth-watering and did little to set MCMB apart from their contemporaries. After a grueling two year tour schedule, MCMB return with their sophomore release Lost Boy, in hopes to regain stability after their previously lost footing.
The album kicks off promisingly with “Terra Firma” which unleashes a heavier side of MCMB and showcases a thick atmosphere of heaviness. Immediately after drawing this conclusion, I was reminded that “Faithless,” on their debut album Unbreakable followed the same pattern before the rest of the songs trailed behind, unable to measure up to its predecessor. After a menacing breakdown, succeeding track, “Hooligans” proves this theory to be, once again, applicable. The hardcore delivery of low tuned guitars, melodic picking, staccato riffs, and simple harmonies become predictable. The generic formulas are nothing groundbreaking or even exceptionally strong but nonetheless, fans will inevitably be compelled by their pit igniting aggression. Both the title track, “Lost Boy,” and “Digital Rebirth,” welcomes the listener back to the barbarous intensity that the album begins with, only to fall back to the repetitious hardcore foundation midway through. Vocalist Matthew Hasting still delivers the throaty deep screams and a counterbalance of higher screams that he has previously. His vocals relatively remain on the same plane and starts to drone out after an extended period.
While their downfalls are clearly evident, it’s also apparent that MCMB have taken monumental strides forward since Unbreakable. They focused their attention towards a more mature approach to lyricism and song structures. They may overuse the features that saturate the genre but they’ve honed their craft respectively. If you’re a fan of the all too common trademark of breakdowns then Lost Boy won’t disappoint as it incorporates heavy breakdowns sure to crush you into annihilation. After a while however, their interplay of breakdowns and gang chants start to sound repetitious but the vocal breakdown on the final moments of “Redeemer,” are where their fusion shines. Following the brutality comes, “Nuclear+” which is easily one of the most fun tracks on the album. The pounding rhythm during the chorus and the riffs throughout are nothing short of compelling.
In the end, Mychildren Mybride have progressed in a multitude of ways but their downfalls hinder them from achieving a long lasting effect. They have sharpened their craftsmanship and Lost Boy marks their heaviest release to date. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort, MCMB are unable to offer anything revolutionary to separate themselves from the endless pack of bands trying to perfect the same relentless formula.
Score: 5/10
Review written by: Nerissa Judd
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