Album Review: How We Feel, Ready For War

Written By Justin Bauer, OOTB Publications

Heavy drums carry distorted guitars to heights that deliver epic rock songs on Ready For War, the new album from Cleveland outfit, How We Feel.

This band is the collaborative music project from the duo of Chris Bianchi and Brian Lamtman, and their heavy sound is larger than life. Their distortion is as clean as it gets, and their polished effort is most worthy of numerous spins. The primary lead vocals are a powerful tenor, with low-end growls and screams that are utilized with occasional flair.

The album opens with an anthem of perseverance in “Make It Out Alive.” The primary guitar riff of the song and singular drum hits are processed to sound like it’s coming through an old timey AM radio. Once the fourth measure concludes, the full energy of the song blasts through the mix.

“Make It Out Alive” is hands down my favorite track on the record, as optimism resonates throughout, and carries that spirit through the rest of the album. Lines like, “Oh, I need to fix myself” is the mantra of self-improvement, coupled with the confidence that it is possible to make it out alive, I find myself returning to this song again and again.

Big guitar riffs and electronics are layered over enormous drums in “Losing My Mind.” This up-tempo track explores the burden of unchecked nostalgia, as the lyrics explore themes of the past controlling the present moment. “I’ll never let go of the things I miss” is a solid line of one sustained by a past that consumes more than it comforts. There’s little room for healing with this mindset, but such a confession is a valid first step.

Pulsating electronics stand out in the opening of “Devil Inside.” There’s a hopelessness that deviates from the confidence of the opening track, but maintains the consistency of struggle. This lyrical juxtaposition shows complexity in the songwriting that is worthy of appreciation. The bridge that leads to the ending of the song is our first encounter with the low growl where the vocals acknowledge a deep-seated fear.

“Fire” slows things down without losing momentum, as the vocal melody soars as close to the sun as it gets. “I don’t know what you think when the world is on fire,” seems to question purpose without losing oneself to full nihilism.

“Looking For A Reason” is another song that reaches epic heights with love at the thematic center. “You’re the light that will guide me through,” strikes a chord with any listener who could relate, and the distorted guitars are so crisp that I’m made to feel what the band wants to convey.

The album concludes with “Ready For War,” a song that cycles back to the confidence expressed at the start of the record. This high energy track admits you should, “make the most of it, because you were born to lose,” and yet I’m left with no doubt that making it out alive is possible.

How We Feel will definitely leave an impression, as their talent and production is served up as the kind of treat that is addicting. Their quality is top shelf, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this translates to the stage.

Tracklist

Make It Out Alive

Losing My Mind

Devil Inside

Dragging Me Under

Talk About Me

Fire

Looking For A Reason

Dangerous

Higher

Ready For War

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