Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

Wed, 07/28/2010 - 16:08 by Joshua Schmidt

Post-hardcore
Equal Vision Records

Pierce The Veil

Selfish Machines

Review rating: User rating:

Vic and Mike Fuentes have been busy guys in 2010. From the release of scene super-group Isles & Glaciers' debut EP The Hearts of Lonely People, to the release of their bands third album (second under the moniker Pierce the Veil) Selfish Machines, along with a stint on this summers Warped Tour, the Fuentes brothers have kept busy.

What was, arguably, the problem with the Isles & Glaciers EP? The vocals of Vic Fuentes, and how they seemed to not fit in with those of Jonny Craig and Craig Owens. However, on Selfish Machines, Fuentes' nasally, almost whiny, vocals are one of the albums strong points. While Fuentes' vocals drive the album, let's not take away from the rest of the band. Tony Perry's blistering guitar work drives opener "Besitsos," which begins with a Latin feel before transitioning in to the post-hardcore Pierce the Veil is known for. "Southern Constellations" is the perfect build-up to "The Boy Who Could Fly," which features Vic Fuentes' frantic screams, Mike Fuentes showing his punk prowess behind the kit, and crunchy guitar riffs leading in to a brilliantly placed breakdown with soaring guitars leading it.

Every band in the scene has one track that features guest vocals, right? "Caraphernelia" is that track, featuring Jeremy McKinnon's (of A Day to Remember) deeper screams complimenting the high pitched nature of Fuentes' voice. After the first four tracks comes a few misteps, as everything is almost instantly forgettable, especially "Million Dollar Houses (The Painter)," which is autotune-heavy. "The New National Anthem" is another track with a Latin feel to it, and features the well-placed screams of Fuentes, the melancholy feel that Perry creates with his riffs during the chorus's, and Mike Fuentes' strong drum work. "Stay Away From My Friends" changes that, as the ballad let's Vic Fuentes really shine and show his range. Album closer "The Sky Under The Sea" is classic Pierce the Veil, with hectic riffs that intertwine with the shrieks of Fuentes beautifully.

Pierce the Veil have crafted an extremely strong album with Selfish Machines. The experimental aspects of "Besistos" and "The New National Anthem" help the album to shine and prove that the band isn't just a one-trick pony. One can only hope that on future releases, the band continues to experiment with the Latin sound found scattered throughout the album, but for the time being, Selfish Machines is a good album with lots of replay value.

Track Listing
Artist Biography

1. Besitos
2. Southern Constellations
3. The Boy Who Could Fly
4. Caraphernelia
5. Fast Times at Clairemont High
6. The New National Anthem
7. Bulletproof Love
8. Stay Away from My Friends
9. I Don't Care If You're Contagious
10. Disasterology
11. Million Dollar Houses (The Painter)
12. The Sky Under the Sea

Formerly known as Before Today.A post-hardcore band from San Diego, California. Pierce the Veil was formed in the fall of 1998 under the name Early Times. Their first recording was "No Turning Back" an 11 song CD most notable for the highly famous song "5.9", a reference to Natural Ice. This release was followed shortly by a 4 song EP and led to a record contract with Equal Vision Records. In 2006...

Comments

Submitted by Denis Simms on Thu, 07/29/2010 - 11:49.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

I can't stand this band's vocals. Gave this a listen last week... would rather I hadn't.

Submitted by Joshua Schmidt on Fri, 07/30/2010 - 15:13.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

The vocals aren't for everyone, I'll give you that. Vic's vocals were what was wrong with the Isles & Glaciers EP. On this, I felt his vocals were what carried the album.

Submitted by Jerry Breseno on Fri, 07/30/2010 - 13:58.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

Backed

Submitted by Matthew Colwell on Sat, 07/31/2010 - 23:55.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

I felt the same way the last 3 years, and totally empathize, but this record is just phenomenal. I've really gotten used to Vic's vocals. Definitely an acquired taste, but they've grown on me.

Submitted by Neepam Shah on Thu, 07/29/2010 - 11:53.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

Rather enjoyed this record, nice review

Submitted by Joshua Schmidt on Thu, 07/29/2010 - 12:54.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

Thanks, Neeps!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 17:07.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

The only thing I'd say is, Vic wrote all of these songs, so it's his guitar work that deserves the heady praise really.

Submitted by Adam (not verified) on Thu, 08/05/2010 - 09:22.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

I really liked this album, like completely. Million Dollar Houses is probably my favorite track on it, haha.. Not very forgettable to me. And I didn't mind his vocals on Isles & Glaciers, but that's just me.

Submitted by Emily (not verified) on Sun, 08/29/2010 - 20:37.

Re: Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines

First thing I'm going say is, That I'm completely in love with Selfish Machines.
I think Vic's voice is so unique and different, but I can see how to some people would not enjoy as much as i would.
I personally think Vics's voice still sounded good with Jonny and Craig in Isle & Glaciers but again that's probably just me.

Also I really loved all the guitar parts and drumsss.
After it came out and i saw them at warped, (which they sounded great live)
only thing i have been doing while i'm listening my iPod is just shuffling through the whole album. And the only songs i would skip if they came up is "Fast times at Clariemont High" and " Million Dollar house".

So I think every body in that album worked there ass off and came out with a great album.
So the big thing is that Pierce the veil Selfish Machines was probably the only highlight of my summer.