Misadventures is the fourth studio of San Diego rockers, Pierce The Veil. Released in 2016, this 11 song album was the much anticipated follow up to their 2012 release Collide with the Sky. Fine tuning their sound and lyrics even more from where they were in 2012, Misadventures has a certain flare that lacked in their previous work.
The first on the album, Dive In, starts the album off with quick intro of guitar before diving into the vocals and lyrics. Crescendoing from medium pace to fast, drummer Mike Fuentes does a great job of tying all aspect together with fast rolls and quick hits. Lyrics such as "I wanna be the tattoo ink that swims down through the middle of your skin" and "stay and warm me with a gentle man jack" show that the band stuck to their common lyrical type, all while adding a new aspect in. The next track, Texas Is Forever, is a personal favorite. The song quickly starts with a intro where the guitar and drums bounce off each other in harmony. The most notable aspect of the song is the drumming, Mike Fuentes's speed during the song is truly something to write home about. His talent behind the kit truly shows in this song ( as well as the rest of the album). Complementing his brother in perfect harmony, lead vocalist Vic Fuentes's fruity voice brings the listeners a certain comfort as he belts out lyrics such as "If Texas Is forever where's your home sweet home?". Track The Divine Zero, the first single released off this album, even before we knew of said album. Released right before their time on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, The Divine Zero gave fans a taste of what was in store with the new album. Ceasing to let fans down, the track was received very well by critics and quickly became the anthem of the bands Warped Tour set. Though the intro is heavily reminiscent of previous songs done by Pierce The Veil, the guitar is fresh sounding and pleasant to the listeners ears. Tony Perry and Vic Fuentes sure do a great job of working together creating layers to their work. Though the song itself stands pretty well, this isn't the best track of the album.
Track Floral & Fading is a calmer paced song that will have you screaming the lyrics from the first listen. The guitar and vocal combo works together to highlight the back line of the band in a way that shows the growth of Pierce The Veil as musicians. Next track, Phantom Power and Ludicrous Speed is a song with notable bass. From start to finish the bass is strong and firm, leading the whole song. As a whole, the song is heavily reminiscent of any song off their 2012 work. But, there is fleck of difference if you squint hard enough. Now, track Circles is a song that packs a hell of an emotional punch. Inspired by the Paris attacks, Circles paints a picture of two friends caught in the middle of the action of that night. "Listen, do you hear my heart beat thump over the monitors as you pretend to close your eyes/ don't breathe in" are the lyrics that start the song, as quickly, it begins it crescendos into a full blown tune. The same pattern is repeated on the drums, while the guitar and vocals are what shake up the song. "Screaming while the exit signs read: heavens waiting" ," you took my hand and we'll both started running" and "save yourself don't ever look back" are a bits of the lyrics that are the foundation of this song. Holding such emotional significance, the story of these two friends is what makes Circles the best track off the album. Another personal favorite, Today I Saw The Whole World, kicks off full of energy and doesn't quit. At the 0:37 mark to about 0:48, the guitar, bass and drums work in different directions. Though, thats why makes the song stick out. Even while running in different directions, the band still makes it work. Notable aspects of the song do include the lyrics ex: " Listen, I'm the one who made you/ Ill be the one to bring you down" and the bass techniques produced.
Next track, Gold Medal Ribbon, starts with a guitar intro then slowly crescendos into a medium paced guitar and drum combo. The precision of the band, especially the guitar create a rhythm that makes this one of the most notable tracks on the record. The ninth song on the album Bedless is an interesting track in it's self. Kicking off with with a light guitar intro then moving straight into a softer vocal finsih, the spotlight goes to the vocals. Track Sambuka kicks off with an electronic flare, then jumps straight into the lyrics. A little jumbled, the guitar is what takes lead and shines throughout the song. Adding some screaming into the mix that is the album, the song tapers off to the ending of the track on a smoother note. The guitar and drums work in harmony for a calm ending. Last but not least is track Song for Isabelle, which I believe ends the album on a strong note. Light on the drums and a heavier on the guitar they set up a perfect entrance for the vocals to tell a story. With the lyrics of this song being the most notable aspect of the song, segments like " she looks up to me and whispers I won't be here in a year" touch on more emotional aspects.
In retrospect, Misadventures was an all around great piece of work. Though there was certain aspects that were overplayed, Pierce The Veil dig a great job topping their previous work. The growth of Pierce The Veil as a whole was truly shown in this album, making this album to take a listen to.
Catch Pierce The Veil with Sum 41, Emarosa, and Chapel on the "We Will Detonte Tour" starting soon!!