Live-Metal.Net - New Noise: Mismo

The concept of Mismo is simple and straight-forward, four guys that all have daytime jobs, that channel that frustration and stress into a band that is ready to take on the world for what is rightfully theirs, the stage and all in front of it.

Since it's inception in 2003, Mismo has self released 2 EPs and one full length album, keeping strong D.I.Y. ethics, while booking their own shows.

Which brings us to the description of their live shows, that have been described as nothing short of a riot. Mismo blasts through their sets, taking no prisoners, often resulting in the proverbial flesh wound, concussion, broken guitar and/or microphone. Crowd participation is also a must with Nick and Jeff creating a sonic wall of melody and strife, Purkey roaring out cadences blended with harmonies and gutteral vocals, and Bryan belting out beat after beat ready to swoon or crush you to death.

Whatever genre of music delights you, Mismo has something for everyone. Finally a band that can actually say that they really don't sound like anyone.

Mismo has been described as "... a curious cross between Fugazi and The Misfits" (Mark Bounds, Music Monthly) and, "... edgy and provoked ... the sort of sound, for instance that any of us would naturally be compelled to want to make at the end of nine consecutive hours stuck in a cubicle in early May, working towards a modest paycheck which after taxes will barely cover our monthly payment on a monumnetal debt consolidation loan." (Joe Granato, Music Monthly).

There's something about supporting and backing one of your local bands, much like you would with your local sports team. You may have been there from the start, or maybe recently jumped on the wagon, all to live and die with your band/team, and would like nothing more than if they could just get some recognition. Judging by this release, the time could be on the horizon for Mismo. Mismo are an unsigned alt/rock band from Baltimore, MD that successfully combine the atmosphere of progressive rock with a strong influence of a Misfits/A.F.I. style punk. It all makes for an interesting blend of style and a breath of fresh air within today's musical climate.

I came into contact with the band's guitarist (Nic) over the internet, and he was cool enough to send me the band's press kit and full length release ... and to the Republic for review. Being a new friend of the band, I didn't want to write a biased review, so I actually listened to the album almost three times through before forming my final opinion. With every listen, the album seemed to get better and better, and I came to my conclusion: Above all, MIsmo plays rock, just as their bio reads, but I cannot really think of a specific label to classify them as. Sure, influences ranging from Tool, Bad Religion, Deftones and even At The Drive In can be heard strongly throughout the duration of the album, but the band uses these in a way to create a sound that is all their own. Lead vocalist "Purkey" has a wide range and his melodic approach carries each and every song, similar in style of Maynard from Tool but really most alike Davey Havok of A.F.I. Nic's guitar parts are more often used for more of an atmospheric effect, rather than just sheer aggression. With that being said though, the album does have it's fair share of punk angst and aggression, and seems to be done at the right times, and not overdone.

"Anal Vultron" (nice title) is a strong combination of this prog/punk that I mentioned and one of the more explosive tracks, while the experimental, "Unmarked Grave" begins with a gregorian chant before transforming into a Misfits-like punk-fest. "Tears Of Ash" shows off the bands musical abilty, with excellent song structure and melodies, before an explosive ending chorus, maybe the best track of the disc. Most of the rest of ... and to the Republic follows suit, the material being strong enough to hopefully garner interest from labels in the future because it is deserving.