For the last few years, many indie bands have treated their songwriting almost like they’re measuring powders on a pair of scales in order to match a variety of ingredients to the perfect formula. Although “New Medicines” still has a few rough edges, DEAD POETIC have wirtten a fairly airtight plan for merging super melodic vocals with demand walls of guitar noise and snappy drumming. “New Medicines” is the band’s second release for Solid State, and is a healthy adjustment from their debut, “Four Wall Blackmail.” Looking at this through a wide spectrum, DEAD POETIC have gone from being contemporaries of ZAO to finding themselves along the likes of FINCH or THIS BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE now, and I think it’s clear that the band is more confident and energetic with their newly coated pop-rock sheen. DEAD POETIC’s lead melodic vocals are strong enough to exist on their own, but the back-up screaming isn’t particularly irritating as to render it entirely superflous. On the title track, it’s made pretty clear that these guys can pull off both styles together and stay in harmony, which is a lot more than other bands can attest to. Strong drumming is staple of DEAD POETIC’s sound, and the sixth track, “Molotov,” definitely brings out the best of this trait. Without a doubt, “New Medicines” provides an enjoyable, well-seasoned listen. DEAD POETIC’s gloriously full sound engrosses the listener’s aural senses for its entire 40 plus minute runtime. “New Medicines” doesn’t challenge your thought processes, nor does it beg to be overanalyzed and dissected. Normally it’s a put down to call a band’s songs “great background music,” but DEAD POETIC have filled that often important gap without asking any questions.

Solid State

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