To Create a Cure

It could be argued that no other genre understands the importance of contrast in song dynamics like metalcore. Similar to its peers, the Columbus, Ohio–based quintet My Ticket Home uses the polarity of screamed vocals and clean vocals. “A New Breed” opens with an onslaught of bloodcurdling howls in the verse before the chorus drops with singing that sounds imported from '70s classic rock radio. (If this dynamic sounds similar to that of Attack Attack!, that’s because the band’s own Caleb Shomo was warming the producer’s seat when To Create a Cure was recorded.) “Who Is 67?” makes good use of hard stereo-panned guitars; hard riffs blast from one speaker while winding leads ascend from the other. The juxtaposition of screamed and sung vocals is less cut-and-dry here. Rather than shifting from verse to chorus, the group implements more of a call-and-response dynamic, making for a less predictable listen. With its heavily distorted vocals and marching drum intro, “Motion Sickness” segues into an avalanche of bludgeoning rhythms that recall moments of Norma Jean’s Redeemer.