By: Joseph VanBuren
Rating: 6/11 

So, this is that screamo stuff the kids are listening to? Nobody knows what screamo really is (let alone the distinct differences between first and second wave), but if the defining characteristics are emotional music with lots of screaming, then Baltimore-based Piano Becomes the Teeth is a prime example. Of course, this would also put bands as diverse as Thursday and The Dillinger Escape Plan in the same category. Piano Becomes the Teeth lies somewhere in between the two. 

Old Pride could be the new Glassjaw album… almost. After the brief but misleading mellow intro of the opening track, “Filial,” it’s nothing but multi-layered guitars, abruptly changing tempos, and searing vocals soaked in agony. Sonically, it is very intense. Diehard fans of bands with such elements are bound to love Old Pride, because it never, ever strays from the formula. “Cripples Can‘t Shiver” has small, soft moments that attempt to temporarily turn down the intense-o-meter, but they are just creating contrast between heavy, screaming parts. It is also quite apparent that vocalist Kyle (the band members’ last names are written down somewhere next to the real definition of screamo) has only one tone of voice. At least it’s one that will get people’s attention. When this guy has a potty emergency, people make way for him. 

Piano Becomes the Teeth have delivered an album that is powerful in its performance but dares not take two steps off a narrow path. Seven tracks virtually indistinguishable from each other; twenty-eight minutes of overly intense stories being blasted at the listener from both the human voice and musical instruments. Old Pride is like a soap opera: even though the drama is way over the top, some people are still bound to get hooked on it.