Album Review: ‘Disarray’ by Neon Graves

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Album Art for ‘Disarray‘ by Neon Graves

Artist: Neon Graves

Genre(s): Metalcore

Reviewed Music:  ‘Disarray‘ (Debut LP, 2019)

Release Date: Oct 11th, 2019

Track list: (11 Tracks, 32 minutes)

“Abhor”

“Nerve”

“Mindless”

“Ender”

“Someone You Lose”

“Disarray”

“Keep Alone”

“Take Me Away”

“Sympathy”

“Torture”

“ILY3000”

‘Disarray‘ by Neon Graves – Review by Nic Beardsley of Dear Untitled:

(Introduction to the Neon Graves by Neon Graves)

‘Disarray‘ – (definition) a state of disorganization or untidiness.

What comes to mind when you think of a refreshingly unique piece of music in the metal genre? I’m sure for quite a few people there are certain albums coming to mind which defined an entire genre for you once you heard them. Others, maybe you don’t have a definitive song or album but you know your personal vibe. Whatever it may be for you though, open your mind and let us introduce a brand new metalcore act from Texas to you who just might redefine that perception: Neon Graves .

On the recent release of their debut album, ‘Disarray‘, (Oct 11th, 2019) Neon Graves brought a completely integrated and innovative light to the “dark” world of metalcore – an enlightening injection of flavor, leaning toward the lighter side of the genre. (post hardcore/metalcore variety) Lighter riffs bend the ear and the drum line pulsates our minds through the songs. Harsh vocals unveil directly adjacent cleans, resuscitating life into what could be a much darker-toned album. This is by no means a critique to claim that the album isn’t good – goodness no! This is instead the observation and understanding of a simple contrast and stylistic choice which in turn outlines and defines expectations that you wont find in the typical beatdown riffs say Extortionist / Wristmeetrazor /or SeeYouSpaceCowboy ovetones, but rather the softer, atmospheric The Drowned God / avoid. / Close Quarters mouthfeel.

Digging further into the tracks we discover that a couple utilize techniques which have been seen within the genre, but they hit different here. For instance, the piece, “Mindless“, takes full advantage of the Charlie Chaplin ‘The Great Dictator‘ bit within the planned mid-track respite. On this play through, the sample initially hearkened to pent up memories of the glory days when acts such as The Chariot roamed this scene…. Granted, almost any avid metal fan can probably say that they have heard this speech in countless tracks over the past decade, but I truly think that within the tumultuous political climate, Chaplin‘s words still ring true and relevant to the present day. Timeless, almost, and for the context Neon Graves utilizes it in, ideal.

Along the journey through ‘Disarray‘, multiple assorted segments and hints are embedded to be discovered. Industrial, nu-metal tones very much sprinkle themselves within the cracks of “Keep Alone“, giving way to what feels like some Motionless In White workshop residuals, however Neon Graves quickly surpasses that tone. “Ender” can undoubtedly be a pure example of a proper balance of playful bounce between the clean and coarse vocals in a track and the crisp, post-hardcore aura of “Someone You Lose” is only a step away from the ‘atmospheric post-hardcore’ aspect. Variety is the spice of life and more importantly this album.

To some extent, anything that can be written anymore already is. Artists aren’t intentionally trying to come off appearing as “just some big-name knock-offs” like Fit For A King, Norma Jean, or The Devil Wears Prada, proteges, but rather, this is the struggle creatives face everyday in this present scene as they battle for notoriety. The beauty of ‘Disarray‘ however, is that you can spin this album front to back, back and forth, and back to front and still not find any “regurgitated” sound or content within this album. Sure, Neon Graves definitely borrowed elements, yet integrated them as their own and in their own style across the entire album. ie “Disarray” (filler track).

‘Disarray‘ by Neon Graves is the clean, outright creative product we love to showcase – this is genuinely new music, which is why it is featured and identified as the breath of fresh air that it is. Go spin it immediately. – Nic

(PODCAST) We dig deeper into the formation of the band, talk about favorite albums throughout the year, and toss Neon Graves some off the wall questions from members of the blog!

**Author Bias Note: Legitimately, no full length album of 2019 has come close to the variety and talent ‘Disarray‘ portrays to me personally, which is why when I (Nic) heard it, it no question launched itself to the top of my Album of the Year list, topping other artists such as The Drowned God, The Devil Wears Prada, and Boundaries, to name a few….(Tune into the December Issue #17 to see the full lists from the DU team!)

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