MUSIC REVIEW: OF VIRTUE – Sinner [EP]

Label: Arising Empire

Release Date: August 12, 2022

Rating: 94%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

According to a recent press release: “Michigan metalcore band Of Virtue have announced their upcoming EP, titled Sinner. it arrives on August 12. What began as a humble, promising metalcore act born from the blistering chill and barren fields of mid-Michigan has continued to grow steadily — with tours spanning over 30 countries across three continents and millions upon millions of streams.” This EP snuck up on me as it drops from a genre that I can find myself hot and cold with.  Disc opener Hypocrite” kicks off with a different sound and vibe that swirls modern rock radio with the post-modern sound.  The vocals are aggressive and perfectly matched note for note, beat for beat, and with each pounding emotional groove.  This one draws you in and won’t let go until you find yourself singing along until the next track hits.  Title track “Sinner” has a different feel to it as the song unwinds and stands out amongst the four tracks presented here.  There is something contagious about the overall sound of this track, thanks to the pop laden hook that is woven through the verse.  The chorus hits like a brick and reels you back into Of Virtue’s world quickly.  This one gets more than its fair share of spins during the course of my day in the office.  “Cold Blooded” is the most mainstream track sonically on the disc, but there is something about the textures and layers these guys have draped across the track and EP that is catchy without being too easy or letting up.  The energy in the track is obvious when the bass drones in the background underneath the swirl of guitars and vocals that are all supported with some heavy handed drumming.  Disc closer “Echoes” is a beautiful track that leans on a killer intro and only gets better as the clock ticks away on its 3-1/2 minutes.  The vocal has a different texture that takes this track to the next level while the sonic wall of sound from the guitars, bass, and drums perfectly corrals and combines the energy and groove of the track, which seems to have been built to be played live.  I really hope to catch the band on tour soon and enjoy these tracks in a concert setting.

Tracklisting: Hypocrite – Sinner – Cold Blooded – Echoes

OF VIRTUE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

SINNER – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews