Mismo, …and to the Republic

It’s fitting that the images on the liner notes are a rifle and a sniper, since the music on Mismo’s …and to the Republic is rather scattershot. The music ranges from a 311/Incubus style on “Fade Away” to mall-core on “Tears Of Ash.” It all sounds like you’ve heard it before, without anything really standing out. The music itself is fine, as are the vocals, but it seems like something is missing. The obvious thing is a second guitar, because the one that’s there is lacking. It has the same tone all the way through, very generic and nondescript.

On top of that, there’s a dearth of solos. Now, the music Mismo’s playing doesnt need guitarist Nicholas Rampmeyer to be the reincarnation of Eddie Van Halen, but he should be able to add more texture and depth to help fill out their sound. He does show some signs of life on “Unmarked Grave,” a really honest and emotional ode to soldiers, where besides the bizarre Gregorian chanting that starts the track, there’s some nice flair and a nod to Iron Maiden on the solo break. Vocalist James Purkey’s vocals on the track help to underscore the reality and the sensitivity of the song.

The highlight of the album is “None of This Will Ever Bring You Happiness.” Just imagine the nastiest, meanest fight you’ve had with your boyfriend or girlfriend and set it to music. Purkey does a nice job in handling both views. The band gets a little too ambitious on “Death Sleep,” a nine-minute track with music musical interludes that’re way too long and not interesting enough. One aspect of the band that needs to be mentioned is their lyrical ability. Don’t be misled by “Anal Voltron” — the title belies the political message behind it. Politics are the impetus for many of the songs but the band does a good enough job so that they do not overpower the tracks. Mismo does a good job on a debut that’ll appeal to fans of modern alt-rock and the throngs of kids hanging out at Hot Topic on the weekend.