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Nov 19, 2015 Issue #55 - November/December 2015 - EL VY By Scott Dransfield

The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die may have a word count-friendly name, and more current and past members than words in it, but their music is immediate, catchy, and emotionally direct. With influences firmly in the 2000s emo and indie scenes, including Brand New and Arcade Fire especially, the band uses an expanding and contracting lineup to make huge rock epics. Harmlessness, the band’s second album, refines its sound while remaining ambitious enough to enthrall even emo-averse listeners. “January 10th, 2014” is the true highlight here, a concept song about “Diana, the Hunter of Bus Drivers,” a real-life legend and crusader for women’s rights. The crashing guitars and drums and passionate vocals craft music appropriate for the mythic feel of the lyrics.

The rest of the tracklist includes playful synth lines and tender acoustic ballads, making up an album equally adventurous and emotionally cathartic. One could do much worse than this effective and fulfilling rock album. (www.theworldis.bandcamp.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10