Connector Staff
There is certainly no doubt about it, The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die has one of the most unique musical styles in the alternative music scene. Having almost as many members as the words in their name, it was no surprise every track on their latest release sounded vastly different from the others. For those who have not heard or listened to The World is a Beautiful Place, they pride themselves on being an indie-rock emo band. Some would even compare their sound to artists such as Moving Mountains and Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate).
“Harmlessness” debuted only about a week ago and has already received great praise from listeners. The World Is a Beautiful Place has a distinct emo-revival sound, however “Harmlessness” shines light on a softer side of the band that we do not normally get to see.
The first single to be released off the record is titled “I Can be Afraid of Anything.” This track really hones in on the album’s softer sound and melody, by almost completely dropping their familiar screams and harsh vocals. Certainly, this track can be seen as one of the more powerful ones on the album. Lyrically, this track takes you on an emotional journey from feeling hopeless, to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The first line of the song, “I’m carrying a heavy bucket back from the well. Trembling hands and losing water, losing my will,” starts off the track with a slow, spaced-out sounding melody. In a way, the person is feeling trapped and hopeless, but by the end of the track he says “I really did dig my own hole but I’m climbing out, left in dust to carry myself out.” All of a sudden the listener is taken into a new world of hope and light.
Opener “You Can’t Live There Forever” has similar melodies to their first record “Whenever, If Ever” and sticks to their roots of emo-revival but more acoustic sounding. This track features a similar style to band Moving Mountains. Without a doubt, this track is a strong opener as it gives the listener a taste of the beautiful melodies and vocals to come on the record to come. “And we think that the world is alright well that’s a lie.” Essentially, the listener can be in a state of acceptance. We all just want to feel okay.
“Mental Health” however is definitely one of the strongest tracks off the record. Nick Kwas’s exceptional violin playing mixed with Katie Lynne’s vocals sends chills down the listener’s spine. In a way, the listener can just close their eyes and wander off into a new realm with this track. “Look around you stop crying, you are normal and healthy to forgive yourself.” Everybody just needs to let go sometimes, and this track can help the listener do so. The slower melodies on this track really help the listener to absorb the incredible lyrical content written for this track.
Overall, this record is certainly unlike anything The World is A Beautiful Place have released before. This record is not so much a concept album as it is to a theme of just accepting life exactly as it is. The band has completely evolved themselves from an “angsty basement” band to a full-blown masterpiece. This record shines light on their many members and talent – it needs to be heard. Support the local music scene and pick up a copy today or even give it a listen, this record is anything but a disappointment.
