FRANK IERO AND THE PATIENCEParachutes

With his second record Parachutes (and first with new/old bandmates ‘the PATIENCE’), Frank Iero has managed to find himself. He makes no pretence that he’s done this alone. First single I’m A Mess feels even more appropriate after the two opening tracks, and still stands as one of the record’s best moments. New bassist Alex Grippo has his time to shine here and pops into focus long enough to make his mark, then retreats to let the real star shine. The Midas touch of legendary producer Ross Robinson [Slipknot/At The Drive In/Korn] isn’t lost here.

If Stomachaches was Iero retreating inside himself to indulge the darkness, then Parachutes is his moment of bursting out into the sunlight.

The freely unhinged screams that punctuate September 6th and Dear Percocet feel honest and speak to his guidance, and a head-nodding riff serves as the only safety rail that stops the latter from verging off a cliff edge. It’s exhilarating and bloody fun as a result. Robinson’s decision to let Iero’s voice echo off on its own feels both claustrophobic and terrifyingly vast all at once. Parachutes is proof the recording studio—where Iero is fully in control—is the only place he can finally let out the pressure that’s weighing down upon him. Rivers Cuomo would do well to take notes on I’ll Let You Down. The easygoing rhythm is allowed to run its course without feeling false, ditto for Miss Me with its acoustic lamentations and Existential Crisis‘ ‘pop-punk meets emo’ origins. If Stomachaches was Iero retreating inside himself to indulge the darkness, then Parachutes is his moment of bursting out into the sunlight.  

STANDOUT TRACKS: Dear Percocet, I’ll Let You Down, September 6th
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Weezer, The Used, AFI

Parachutes is out October 28 via Vagrant Records/Cooking Vinyl Australia.