There’s something amazing about watching a band form and grow right from the start. I’ve been following I Prevail from the beginning, more specifically since their “Blank Space” cover and release of Heart VS. Mind. Watching the Michigan locals grow to fame and take the scene by storm makes me feel like a proud mother duck. Trauma is set to be released March 29 of this year with three songs already released off the album to the public.
Trauma starts off with “Bow Down”, one of the pre-released songs off the album. Track number one starts us off heavy and dirty with harsh vocals from Eric Vanlerberghe, crashing guitars, and hard-hitting drums. This is the I Prevail style of song that we have been with since the start.
The next track we start to see a new style I Prevail is artistically experimenting with. “Paranoid” carries influences of post-hardcore, EDM, and addictive basslines. In this track, we first see their experiments with voice manipulation. At points we hear robotic voices in the background but, as the track ends, we hear Vanlerberghe send us off with muffled angry (possibly sinister sounding) vocals.
“Rise Above It” presents us with an interesting turn of events. There are verses in this song that are rapped and mixed in with a musical vibe that I’d listen to while reading the Hunger Games. This track houses something I wasn’t entirely expecting.
“Breaking Down”, another pre-released single off Trauma, is true to the I Prevail sound and content. The lyrics, “I think I think too much,” and “I don’t really like myself,” stood out the most because those who have struggled with mental illnesses or self-deprecating thoughts can strongly relate to these words. Many artists find themselves in the midst of a struggle with their thoughts and use music to express themselves and vent.
Tracks number six, “DOA,” and number seven, “Gasoline,” are tied in place for my favorite tracks off the album. “DOA,” or Dead on Arrival, is the type of song I’d have no putting the volume on max for. It’s fun, energetic, and is perfect to sing along to. “Gasoline,” on the other hand, is very similar to the energeticness of “DOA,” but has a type of fierceness that “DOA” doesn’t quite hit. I can see myself, and many others, diving headfirst into the mosh for track number seven.
“Hurricane” is a noticeable change in mood. This track started with soft clean vocals from Berkheiser but kicks off with the emotionally ridden chorus. Track number eight feels like that kind of song you’d mosh and cry to at the same time, much like an Amity Affliction track.
“Low” and “Goodbye” carry on the themes “Let Me Be Sad” gave us. Again, right in the feels. When artists feel they can freely talk about their past problems and struggles, it shows in their music.
After the feels train takes off, “Deadweight” sends us for a round of whiplash. We’re taken to a new hidden heaviness that I Prevail surprises us with. “Deadweight” kicks down post-hardcore’s door and shows them a thing or two while keeping it within the I Prevail style.
I bet you thought you were done with the feels train, but you’re wrong. We come to the end of Trauma with “I Don’t Belong Here,” a song seemingly about not knowing where you belong in the world. The ballad of the album, “I Don’t Belong Here” carries an acoustic sound through the song, creating a tearfully somber mood. Between this track and “Let Me Be Sad,” you have the good foundations for a sad car ride playlist.
I Prevail has never been afraid to talk about such things in their music. From the start, their music has contained complicated emotions and even, for several of their fans, helped them put words to what they’re feeling. It’s okay to be sad and to feel like you don’t belong somewhere, because no matter who, what, or where, music will always be there for you.
I Prevail releases their new album, Trauma, March 29. You can find their official music videos for their released singles “Paranoid,” “Breaking Down,” and “Bow Down” on their YouTube channel. You can also listen to new and old works from I Prevail on Spotify and Apple Music.
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgN1463ngpGdCpAbCBGFteg
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Uobr6LgQpBbk6k4QGAb3V
Apple Music – https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/i-prevail/948448824
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