Album Review: Collide With The Sky by Pierce The Veil

Photo from Wikipedia

Words by: Emily Racanelli

“Cause this is a wasteland, my only retreat!” screams lead singer Vic Fuentes in his signature high-pitched, strained voice. That one line is representative not only of the typically clever wording found in Pierce The Veil lyrics, but an indication of what is to come in the remainder of Collide With The Sky. The third studio album released by the San Diego quartet, it merges punk-esque drum beats with screamo backing vocals and latin guitar solos to create a beautiful wasteland. Just like the chorus of “Hell Above” mentions, the record is a cathartic release from the outside world. It is a roller coaster ride that demands your full attention for the whole 45 minutes, explaining teenage angst in the most intrinsic way possible.

This roller coaster starts in a state of inner turmoil with the song “A Match Into Water.” It tackles a subject all too familiar to fans of PTV (and Vic Fuentes)--self-harm. There is no sugar-coating it. The song opens up with the line “I kiss the scars on her skin/I still think you’re beautiful/And I don’t ever wanna lose my best friend.” As if those words of compassion and understanding weren’t powerful enough, it is a song that only becomes stronger when played live. The crowd throws its arms into the air, acknowledging that these scars don’t define or hold us back. It is a unified statement that we are all in this together. The message ties into the melody, as it slowly crescendos into a pop-punk power anthem of triumph. Vic carries the first verse strictly on vocals with only a light backing from lead guitar and tapping on the high-hat. Suddenly, the anger in his voice builds as the drums come in full-swing alongside screaming. It is not too overpowering, as the screaming parts and clean vocals counter back and forth throughout the remainder of the verse. It displays the unsteady battle that fans have in the process of overcoming self-harm--constantly caught in limbo, being angry at themselves for tearing apart their skin. To the parents who think PTV is simply focusing on the struggles of self-injury--fear not! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The song ends with a beautifully cresendo-ing line declaring, “When it’s sudden death we fight back!” Despite the struggles in life, you always have the option to fight for yourself.

On a less-serious note, there’s the song “The First Punch.” This shows us that PTV can write about more than tragedy and sadness; these guys also know how to put together a song that you won’t feel judged for when listening to it in public. Vic’s diversity in writing style is seen with the lyrics “F**k you and your no love for yourself/It don’t mean shit.” This tune is not trying to convince you too hold on for another day. It isn’t going to help you fight depression make you feel less alone. Basically, it’s not your typical pop-punk theme. What it will do however, is cause you to run around your room screaming the obscenities while you think about your ex. After all, it is an angsty song about pure hatred for someone who left you behind. Instead of being melancholic and sappy like most breakup songs, it is a major “F You”--a declaration that you don’t need anyone in your life that brings you down. Therefore, my fellow PTV fans, have no shame as you scream along with Vic while burning those pictures of your former love. Move on from the negativity and “live it up baby, don’t look down.”

From fighting off your demons to living it up, we now go to a suicide song with Mexican influences. Pierce The Veil are the masters of mash-up music, and they pull this off with “Bulls In The Bronx.” Drummer Mike Fuentes shows why he is one of the best in the scene, adding his signature lightning-speed kick drum ability to the typical high-energy punk beat. The thumping bass mimics the sound of a palpitating heart, conveying the nervousness in the song. The first verse declares, “I count your heartbeats before you sleep/I bite my fingernails to bone.” It discusses the real battle (the song is influence by a fan who committed suicide) of keeping your composure when you are just about ready to jump out of your skin. The uneasiness builds and is them promptly cut off by a guitar solo that definitely does not fit with the theme. Its Latin influence adds a much-needed lighter touch to the song before jumping back into the black hole. When Vic tosses aside the guitar and goes back to the mic, listeners are back in the POV of a downward spiral. It finishes with, “I would rather end it all tonight/And if I mean anything to you/I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind.” Realistic, relatable, and sad--it is emblematic of the fact that life is not full of happy endings. Sometimes people give up. Is this encouraging such an idea? No. Rather, it acts as comfort to those who think they are the only ones on the brink of suicide. There are other people out there going through the same thing.

It is messages like this that explain why Pierce The Veil is one of the biggest bands in the alternative music scene. Their ability to incorporate dark themes with upbeat instruments creates a unique sound that challenges the boundaries of typical pop-punk. The group is expected to release their 4th studio album sometime in 2015. After CWTS, my expectations are through the roof! Regardless of what they release, pretty much anything that Vic Fuentes’ sings will have fans falling in love with PTV all over again.