ME. is comprised of the former founding members of Taking Back Sunday, Mark O’Connell and Eddie Reyes. While two of the members are from a well-known 2000 emo staple, ME. is not recreating the same sound nor trying to cling to the TBS vibes. The band's structure does not include a frontman or a band-member hierarchy; they make music that they all feel very deeply about. There's something to be said about a band that is based completely and solidly on teamwork.
Their music sounds more towards the emo and post-hardcore vibes. While there's still a pop punk influence to their debut single, "Special", it's a different feel of pop punk than you've heard from some of the most renowned founding members of that genre. "Special" is more raw, less bottled in emotion. It carries what feels like an influence from Midwest emo as well, helping them set themselves apart and define ME. as its own project.
This track is very emotionally provoking and feels like listening to some dudes all jamming together at a party instead of a fully produced album in the best way possible. There's just something about stumbling into people playing together and feeling all the weight of life, and there's something to be said about a band that can make an album feel like that very experience. The theme of the lyrics is a reflection on a toxic relationship and how both sides had accountability, portrayed in a tone of still feeling hurt and upset, but accepting that it was never good and made them someone they were not.
The sound is a mix of post-hardcore and emo, while mixing in a slight Neck Deep feel of pop punk and Front Porch Step type of Midwest emo. It helps add to the tone of the lyrics and gives the song a genuine feel that I love from the post-hardcore and Midwest emo genres. I really love the sound that they have chosen for ME..
Photo Credit: Amber Patrick and Facebook
I am really excited to see the collabs this band does because they have some really solid options with their sound. I would really love to see them live also, as I feel like that experience is emotional on its own. Their sound alone could take the band really far, but their branding is also really clean and notable at the same time as well.
I can't wait to see what ME. has in store in the future. This band is one to keep an eye on. They stand on their own and are making music; I personally see them becoming their own stable for the alternative music community. We need more bands that have this level of raw feeling in the forefront again.
Meet the Band
Mark O'Connell - Drummer
Eddie Reyes - Guitarist
Mike Jansen - Vocalist and guitarist
Neal Amiruddin - Bassist
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