Single Review: "All That We've Become" by Neon Graves

Artwork for “All That We’ve Become” via Neon Graves

Genre: Metalcore

Label: Independent

Music: “All That We’ve Become” (Single, Sept 24th, 2020) (3 min, 8 sec)

“All That We’ve Become”

Official Video for “All That We’ve Become” by Neon Graves (via DreamBound)

Review of “All That We’ve Become” (Single, Sept 24th, 2020) by Neon Graves

Doused by repetitively jarring tones, listeners are baptized by fire as Neon Graves’ latest single “All That We’ve Become” provides a stark yet balanced agreement between their atmospheric debut work and recent brutal singles. Evolving and discovering their own sound throughout a very tumultuous 2020, Neon Graves truly is beginning to understand what exactly it is which they have become as they push into their upcoming album, ‘All That Brings Us Down’ (Release date TBD).

For day 1 fans of Neon Graves, “All That We’ve Become” is the first nod to the band’s 2019 debut that we have seen since their first post-debut, stand-alone single, “Lost Cause” (2020) following what some fans deem to be a brief, experimental diversion, within the last couple singles. Certainly, the debate of the band’s progression into a much heavier and darker venture can be traced directly back to ‘Disarray’, featuring tracks such as “Abhor”, “Mindless”, and “Sympathy”, HOWEVER, the mature evolution and even keel composition shines bright through this new piece. Listeners once more gladly embrace the elevated, clean vocals of Chris Erb, that soar across a more haunting instrumental layer only to be cooed face-first into the concrete wall of snarling and barking lyrics. Put it this way: if “Sympathy” (2019), “Ender” (2019) and “Sanctuary” (2020) had a kid, “All That We’ve Become” would be it.

In discussing further nuances of this single creation and upcoming music with guitarist Chris Honesto, Honesto believes that despite the various roadblocks which Neon Graves has hit on the road to recording and unveiling new music, that this material will be “a more sincere sound” which showcases who the band really is when it finally drops:

“…(Our debut Album) ’Disarray’ was a reflection of us trying to find our sound, but also trust that we would eventually continue to grow, which is why that album was pretty diverse….
…’All That Brings Us Down’ will be an album of us figuring out our sound, knowing what direction we want to take, and no longer being afraid to take risks with it. If you’ve been a fan of our music, I’m sure you’ll be able to appreciate what’s to come! - Chris Honesto

No matter what creative liberties (or demons) Neon Graves seeks to exorcise in the coming months as they release more content, one thing is for certain: the energy this ~2 year old act brings is consistently unmatched. As long as this unbridled energy and ambition holds true, no honest ‘metal fan’ can argue that what Neon Graves brings to the scene isn’t an outright banger most every time. Keep your eyes peeled, because more mayhem is in the works! - Nic B

FFO: The Devil Wears Prada, Alpha Wolf, Marked;Life

Make sure to take a listen and let them know what you think as you watch their new video, “All That We’ve Become” premiering on Dreambound - RIGHT HERE!

Other Music:

“Blackout” (Single, 2020)