Pain Split by Plead the Widow's Cause
Thoughts on the 2022 Album by Plead the Widow's Cause.
Hi there, hello.
Welcome to this review newsletter where I use you as a sounding board for my feelings on music releases. Today we’re looking at Paint Split by Plead the Widow’s Cause.
I remember 2008/2009 when I discovered that there was such a thing as Christian Metal. Demon Hunter was the band that I got exposed to first. Since then I have explored so many subgenres of Metal: Metalcore, Thrash, Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Power Metal and all sorts.
I have listened to many bands over the years and I know the subgenres I tend to gravitate towards. Post-Hardcore is one of those that tend to be a little bit of a hit or miss for me —especially the more modern interpretations that the bands in that sub-genre have adopted. So when I was recommended Plead the Widow's Cause, I was not expecting it to really leave an impression.
BOY, WAS I WRONG!
Pain Split is the debut album from the band and it kicks off with “Disrespect for a Voice Unheard” and, the vocals on this song are definitely not unheard. While some may say the vocals are just the run-of-the-mill screamo vocals as a bad thing, I honestly found it refreshing. The whole song felt like one big nostalgia trip the first time I heard it as I had not heard this kind of sound from any music I have listened to in years.
The second track — which also happens to be the title track — continues where the first track left off. Passionate screaming vocals, emo-style cleans. Sure, some may say it’s more on the short side being less than two and a half minutes, especially since it is the title track, but I thought it was a good idea for the band not to stretch out the song for the sake of it.
“I'm Afraid of Final Goodbyes” comes in next and the opening riff is what captured my attention. But what really hit me about the song was the line “I’m afraid of final goodbyes, Even though it's not really the end”.
That’s when I realized the song was about coping with the grief of losing a loved one — a father from what I can gather — which is something I actually relate with. I find it refreshing to see Christians, make music about grief because it is something that everyone experiences at some point in their life regardless of their faith. So seeing how one views the loss from a Christian perspective (through the vehicle of good metal music) is nice.
The next track “Spirits Away" is a personal favourite, especially how the line “With love more faithful than the rising sun, my love is weak and it wanders.” was delivered. Another short and sweet track clocking in at the two-minute mark.
Another standout song is “Drug of Choice”, which talks about the struggles of dealing with addiction. The choice of words used to convey this message really makes it hit home.
Every track is well done, written and produced. The production is clean enough for listeners to hear every line sung and every note strummed but not so clean that you can not hear the organic sounds of the instruments. Also, the songs feel so much better when you follow the lyrics to hear what it is they are trying to say.
The only fault I can find in this album is that the tempo and pace of all the songs are quite similar so if one doesn’t pay attention, one may feel all the songs sound the same. But honestly, once you pay attention to the lyrics it is almost impossible to mix the songs up.
Pain Split is the perfect embodiment of short and sweet — and not the kind of sweet that would give you diabetes. In fact, you can call it a cathartic spiritual experience. With tracks that speak about themes ranging from dealing with addiction and grief to God’s love embodied in the person of Jesus; anyone looking for good quality post-hardcore with a Christian message is sure to enjoy this record.
Genre(s): Post-Hardcore
RATING: 4/5
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That’s it from me.
Bye for now.
Talk to us about your favourite songs on the album. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like us to review.
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But why the diabetes reference, Samson? 🤣
Well done nonetheless! I enjoy your reviews.