Pierce the Veil might need more than just a change of direction to pull themselves out of this somber phase of their career. Once one of the most vibrant and electrifying bands of the 2000s and 2010s, they now seem to be a mere shadow of their former self. It pains me to say it, but the absence of drums on this album is deeply felt. Outside of the main single, Passing the Nirvana, it’s hard to shake the feeling that something essential is missing. The album almost feels more like a Vic Fuentes synth-pop solo project than the collective effort of a band that once thrived on dynamic, hard-hitting instrumentation.
When drums are present, they’re often buried deep in the mix, almost to the point of being an afterthought. It’s disappointing because their rhythm section has always been a key part of their identity, and here, it seems like they’ve sacrificed that powerful element for experimentation. I understand the desire to evolve and try new things, but the result feels like it’s left them unmoored from what made them stand out.
Interestingly, the bass carries much of the groove in the absence of strong drums, and Vic’s vocals are the main driving force behind most of the songs. In fact, his voice seems to be carrying the weight of the entire album, especially when it feels like many of the tracks lack the punch of real instruments. This isn’t to say the guitars are absent—they’re tuned well and sound solid for the most part—but when the band does play together, it feels off, almost disjointed.
Part of me hesitates to say this, but I think it’s clear that Pierce the Veil has lost something essential that made them so vibrant and distinct in the first place. Whether it's the energy, the chemistry, or the sheer rawness they used to channel, it seems to have faded. While I respect their desire to experiment and grow, I can't help but feel that they’ve drifted too far from what made them such an exciting force in the scene.
RATING: 6.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Pass The Nirvana
The Jaws Of Life
So Far So Fake