REVIEW: Idle Threat 'Nothing is Broken for Good'
Tennesee natives idle threat have been breaking barriers within the post-hardcore scene since 2016. Since creating their EP Grown Tired, they have tattooed their name within the genre, well-known for their nostalgic muse and callbacks to old school bands such as Underoath, Hawthorne Heights, and Thursday. While they favorably remind us of such amazing bands, idle threat brings an engaging sense of optimism and hope to their lyrics and instrumentality that we so desperately need today, making them stand out among the rest.
Now after two years of touring, the band wrote a beautifully emotional response to what would become their sophomore release, Nothing Is Broken For Good which debuted August 21st via Tooth and Nail Records. We start with the first moving atmospheric encounter on the EP "Nothing Lasts Forever." With dreamy, emotive vocals and echoing, sparkling guitar strings that mimic that of sunsets, this whole production of this first track does feel like a moment sinking just beyond the horizon as it effortlessly blends into our next track experience "Empty Houses."
"Empty Houses" starts with infectious empty-room percussive elements that blossom into robust punk-rock guitar riffs. Vocally, this track is candy-coated fury, as we transition back and forth from powerfully belted screams to diverse clean vocal registers all in one sitting. It's a gorgeous listening experience from start to finish that will quickly become a fan favorite upon the first listen.
We then move onto "Restore/Repair." Somewhat within the same vein of the last few songs we have experienced at this point, it's still by no means a track you should skip. While it keeps the energy going on the record, the vocals on this track are trip the light fantastic. Instrumentally it's trying something different, while fervid screams keep in strides with melodic guitar patterns and rhythmic drum fervor, making listeners want to stay engaged for what comes next.
"Throwing Stones" is by far one of the grittier tracks instrumentally on the EP. There is something that is so dithyrambic about the guitar riffs and agitative yet melancholic in the drum work that fits in so well with the lyrics, making it, by far, one of the best tracks on the EP so far. That is before we hit the single "Cement." A sonically enchanting experience engulfed with soft melodic echoing guitars, captivating drums, and an overall lyrical treasure; "Cement" is the track that proves why this band is so good at what they do in their genre.
Our musical journey then closes with "Ungrateful (Nothing Is Broken For Good).” Feeling every bit like a closing track, its massive instrumental presence, unyielding vocal energy, and candid lyric delivery make this a satisfying close to a great EP.
Throughout this whole EP, idle threat has had a knack for seamlessly integrating so many different elements and genres into one musical setting, making each track raw, honest, and undeniably euphoric at every turn. While some might find this a tough listen, others might find it fun and exciting as it is one of the more charming qualities that make this band so intriguing and original. idle threat has taken a risk and tastefully combined some of the best perspectives of emo and post-hardcore and merged them all quite successfully. If we are looking at it from this perspective, the record performs rather well.