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Myspace's networking capabilities may be one of the, if not the, most important things for underground music in the past few years. The fact that every band has an equal opportunity to get people to listen to their music still boggles my mind; it’s no wonder Tom made such a fortune off it. With all of that said, I found myself on the page of My America Is Watching Tigers Die, a Delaware foursome who have knocked me off my chair and made me a regular at their little corner of the huge website.
My America Is Watching Tigers Die reminds me a lot of Spitfire, and even more of Fear Before the March of Flames. The band’s sound has that whole dissonant, bass-driven, chaotic, “diet-Converge” feel, but with more rock and roll. It isn't horribly complex and it isn’t as spastic as something Norma Jean or Heavy Heavy Low Low would write; it's a lot more straightforward and, in my opinion, easier to digest. The band makes good use of one, solid riff -- repeated over and over slowed down more and more -- while the singer's high-pitched screams overlap everything. The vocals are especially enjoyable because that's where there’s such a strong Spitfire resemblance. The style works for both bands, to a certain extent.
While nothing really stands out on Narratives, my real gripe with this album would be its repetition. I assumed Narratives would offer much more than it does. The songs made me wonder how much time the band actually spent in writing them. Oddly enough, My America Is Watching Tigers Die adds lots of piano outros and strange intros to their songs. They’re good for what they’re worth, although the piano outro on "Scumbag" makes me wonder why its performer doesn’t quit this band and think more seriously about piano; it's so moving in its simplicity.
Narratives’ recording is solid, with a production style that sounds dirty but not fuzzy and gives the vocals and instruments clarity. It was mastered by Alan Douches, who many know to give albums that little bit of extra bite, and his fine work shines here.
Even in a genre with silly, long names and girl haircuts (not saying that this band has either), My America Is Watching Tigers Die is making me believe that maybe this scene might have some sort of a chance. Maybe bands will all just mature and write less annoying records. To be blunt, Narratives is a good start and I'm thoroughly happy I got a chance to listen to the effort.
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