The Awful Truth
by Meridian
"Meridian provides outcast anthems, songs for those who refuse to conform to the ways of the world. With a metal meets pop-punk feel, this will have fans off their feet."
Substream Magazine
"Ballsy US hardcore backed up by pop sensibilities that'll keep you bouncing off the walls all summer."
Metal Hammer (UK)
Poughkeepsie, New York, based band Meridian refuses to fit into just one genre, and encompasses everything from pop-punk to metalcore. Meridian self-released their first album Reformation in 2013, and within months was gaining popularity. A few short tours of the East Coast, and they became a band known for their emotional lyrics that are not afraid to discuss touchy topics such as depression and child-neglect. All members of the band are under twenty-one, all extremely accomplished for their age. Now, with the help of Victory Records, Meridian will be releasing their second full-length The Awful Truth, another hard-hitting, across-the-genres record that satisfies any hardcore fan’s hunger for true musicianship.
Meridian is comprised of lead vocalist David Mitchell, lead guitarist Juan Espinosa, rhythm guitarist Chris Evanko, bassist Chris Titer, and drummer Ronnie Scocozza. Every single one of the five young members is talented at their instruments and at working together to become a tight, precise unit. Mitchell’s vocals range from intense, loud screaming to melodic singing much like the sound of Vic Fuentes’ voice (from Pierce the Veil).
Meridian is comprised of lead vocalist David Mitchell, lead guitarist Juan Espinosa, rhythm guitarist Chris Evanko, bassist Chris Titer, and drummer Ronnie Scocozza. Every single one of the five young members is talented at their instruments and at working together to become a tight, precise unit. Mitchell’s vocals range from intense, loud screaming to melodic singing much like the sound of Vic Fuentes’ voice (from Pierce the Veil).
I’m going to take a look into Meridian’s two contrasting sounds. One caters to a much smaller audience than the other, but both are popular genres in the counterculture. First would be the death metal mixed with punk drumming, a sound relatively similar to metalcore. This is best represented in their song “Slither,” a hateful song charged with raging energy. Meridian’s second sound would be flat out pop-punk, a genre rising in popularity. “Wait For Me,” arguably the best song on the record, features upbeat drum beats, soaring vocals, a light bass line, and punk driven guitar parts with a splash of pop.
Every band has an outlier song that stands far away from the rest of the songs put out by the band. This outlier tends to be defined by its slower tempo, melancholy guitar parts, and heart-wrenching vocals and lyrics. For Memphis May Fire, it’s “Miles Away” featuring Kellin Quinn (from Sleeping with Sirens). For Pierce the Veil, it’s “Hold On Till May” featuring Lindsey Stamey (from Oh No Fiasco!). For Meridian, it’s “Clarity,” and it’s not featuring anyone except the amazing artists already in the band.
Every band has an outlier song that stands far away from the rest of the songs put out by the band. This outlier tends to be defined by its slower tempo, melancholy guitar parts, and heart-wrenching vocals and lyrics. For Memphis May Fire, it’s “Miles Away” featuring Kellin Quinn (from Sleeping with Sirens). For Pierce the Veil, it’s “Hold On Till May” featuring Lindsey Stamey (from Oh No Fiasco!). For Meridian, it’s “Clarity,” and it’s not featuring anyone except the amazing artists already in the band.
Like any band, there are the good and the bad parts, but Meridian has so much great stuff in their music, that it’s difficult to notice the bad parts. I wouldn’t recommend Meridian to the average listener; their music requires a taste for hardcore and an appreciation for musicality. However, if you fit that target market, believe me you need to hear Meridian’s awesome new album The Awful Truth, coming out on September 2nd.
 | Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. |
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