Picture Me Broken

Picture Me Broken released their first full length album “Wide Awake” today, July 6, 2010. This hardrock/screamo band is a relatively new band, and also a very young band (the album cover doesn’t help, since they all look incredibly young). Despite their ages, they have already appeared on Linkin Park’s Projekt Revolution Tour and the Warped Tour, and their song “Dearest (I’m So Sorry)” can be found on Rockband. Their album “Wide Awake” is also far better than a lot of the albums other established bands have put out lately.

The music itself is pretty aggressive, and there is a fair amount of screaming on most of the tracks, but not too much screaming that it is unbearable. Most of the songs are hard, with some softer exceptions like “Forevermore “and” If I Never Wake Again,” which are incredibly refreshing to hear amidst all the harder songs. Songs like “Darwin’s Song,” "Nerds and Cigarettes," and “Live is Evil Spelled Backwards”, would appeal more to metal fans.

Singer Layla “Brooklyn” Allman is a fantastic singer, whose range goes anywhere from beautiful and powerful singing ("Forevermore", "If I never Wake Again") to screaming (that can be seen on pretty much the entire album), something many singers can’t accomplish, and is definitely more rare in female singers. I imagine her voice will only get better as time goes on. There is a lot of good guitar work on the album that is a great backdrop for the singing, specifically noticeable in "Darwin’s Song" and "Live is Evil Spelled Backwards." The album isn't the best thing I have ever heard, but it is enjoyable and shows that the band has tons of promise, and I can't wait to see what they do next.

The album is up on their Myspace page, and is also available on Itunes, and I even found it on Rhapsody today. They don’t have any local tour dates, but hopefully will add some soon, and if anyone is in California they have a few dates posted there in the next few months (check their website for dates).

Recommended tracks from the album: “Dearest (I'm So Sorry),” “Forevermore,” “Nerds and Cigarettes” - Newark Rock Music Examiner

A new metalcore band has burst onto the scene out of Redwood City, California with their debut album. Find out how it ranks inside.

While the force that they are a part of is nothing new, Picture Me Broken is a relatively new band
that blends the sounds of a few currently relevant acts in all that which is loud. The music is hard and aggressive, in the vein of bands like Killswitch Engage and Bullet For My Valentine. However, with a female lead vocalist, it would almost seem as if they're trying to be more like Flyleaf or In This Moment. Whatever the comparison, their debut album, Wide Awake, is out now and looking to take the country by storm. - 411 Mania.com

If I’m being honest, I’m not the biggest fan of hardcore music. In fact I tend to avoid listening to it. But one of the exceptions I’ve found so far is Picture Me Broken. This band has huge potential and an ever growing fan base. Made up of Brooklyn (vocals/synth/high screams), Nick Loiacono (guitar) Austin Dunn (bass/medium screams), Connor Lung (drums/low screams) Will Escher (rhythm guitar/backing vocals). Their talent is shown through nearly all members of this up-and-coming band taking on multiple roles whether with an instrument or with their voices. Released July 6, 2010, Wide Awake is their first full length CD that I recommend all to take a listen to.

‘Dearest (I’m So Sorry)’ is one of the songs that certainly sticks out to me, with the strong riffs, the talent of these musicians is very clear. Their lyrics are always catchy and leave you singing along. ‘Darwin’s Song’ continues to emphasis the flexibility this band has with the range of versatile songs they’re able to play. I have to admit I’ve listened to this song over and over again, I can’t help myself! Brooklyn’s powerful vocals, despite shining throughout this album, are particularly framed in ‘Skin and Bones’ which really does highlight the natural ability this front woman possesses. However, she is not only the one with vocal abilities, you can always hear the presences of all members whether it’s the high, medium or low screams.

Another one of their standout tracks off Wide Awake is ‘Echoes of an Empire’ in which their screamo skills are shown at their best, with many members chipping in for this massive sound that’s created. Their partnership really does come together in this song, which indicates the great chemistry they have between each other. ’Vital Signs’ is one those songs that you’ll find yourself putting onto every playlist you make. This track shows the listener how passionate this five piece is about their music.

Generally, this album is something I would advise anyone to take a listen to, it’s certainly changed my views on the post-hardcore genre. I can see this band doing big things in the future, and
with a long list of name bands such as The Blackout and Atreyu under their belt this band that they’ve appeared in shows with, it’s only time until they hit the jackpot with headlining tours. With the energy these musicians hold, this release is going to no-doubt be a success. Available to listen to on their MySpace and PureVolume, and also for purchase on Amazon and iTunes, go get yourself listening before you miss out!

Rating: 8/10
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Record Label: Megaforce records
Recommended Tracks: ‘Dearest (I’m So Sorry)’, ‘Darwin’s Song’, ‘Vital Signs’
For Fans Of: Evanescence, Blessthefall, Atreyu - The sound Alarm

"I remember being 15, and what my first
band sounded like, I wish we were as tight as LANE FOUR" stated Gregg
Allman.

That was before we changed our name to Picture Me Broken. - AP newswire