DissolvedIN – Proudly Dressed EP
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Having not come across DissolvedIN before, I spent the entire first minute of opener ‘Mapped Roads’ with my fingers crossed. I did this simply because it starts off slightly-deceptively heavy, and I couldn’t figure out what direction it would take. I was, however, sincerely hoping it wouldn’t devolve into awful screaming and throaty-growls, ala The (terrible) Comanche Code (reviewed elsewhere on this delightful website).
Therefore, I’m happy to report this is not the case. Instead, what we have here is hook-laden guitar pop with a heavy streak and a melodic edge that is instantly likeable (if a little generic at times).
The electronic intro to ‘Egocentric’ gives a distinct All-American Rejects vibe that continues throughout the EP, but also providing a benchmark for the following track ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ can’t quite match up to. Perfectly perfunctionary pop-punk (I’ve always wanted to say that) but as a result, somewhat lacking in originality.
First Impressions picks up the pace, continuing the All-American Rejects theme to aplomb and displaying a strong ear for likeable, danceable fare.
The only things that detract from the album are the slight lack of originality highlighted earlier, which kinda comes with the territory…but I have definitely heard much worse attempts and the guys have to be commended for making an EP of this calibre out of what is such a well-worn genre.
For fans of All American Rejects, The Starting Line, Go:Audio…
Rating: 
