If you’re looking to be assaulted in the ear drums this holiday season, I’d like to kindly direct you to Kill Iconic Records’ gloriously tumultuous recent signee, The Mayor. The record label, run by Donovan Melero (Hail The Sun), dropped the sophomore album from the group today. Live at the Acropolis is definitely not a live recording as the title suggests, but rather a violent spewing of allegedly peyote-induced nonsense and revelations, most of which vocalist Mike (Tyson) Abiuso didn’t even bother to write down during the recording process. The five-track work presents as such with barely intelligible lyrics, yet a charming grit and urgency that any avid fan of hardcore should appreciate.
When my initial reaction to the body of work was “sensory overload,” Abiuso (who is also responsible for recording, producing, mixing, and mastering) laughed and responded with, “That was kind of the goal.” Well then I say, well done, gents. Basically, The Mayor just wants you to pop on some headphones (or crank it and terrify your neighbors) and get lost in absolute chaos – or freedom – as The Doors’ Jim Morrision would say.
While spinning Live at the Acropolis, the following Morrison quote came to mind: “I’m interested in anything about revolt, disorder, chaos, especially activity that appears to have no meaning. It seems to me to be the road toward freedom.” I think it’s safe to say that this band headed to the Behind The Curtains Media studio in Brooklyn, NY with creative freedom being the ultimate goal, and the final product fully embraces aggression, disorder, and belligerence with a healthy dose of humor.
These guys are a full throated revival of aughties mathcore – pulling in the right mix of southern rock swing, abrupt polyrhythms, and a sprinkling of catchy melodies. Feeling a strong influence from Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Fear Before – Honestly a little bit of the weirdness I get from The Locust as well. I love a band that can fuck around a little bit. As someone who grew up on this type of sound, The Mayor definitely gets my vote.
John Dunn, hardcore connoisseur and metal vocalist (Dark Waters End)
So deck the halls, trim the tree, light the menorah, and completely annihilate your senses with The Mayor’s latest effort. Maybe do some peyote as well. It’s totally your call.
*Disclaimer: No band members were harmed during the recording of this album.*
The Mayor is:
Mike (Tyson) Abiuso – Vocals/Baritone Guitar
Kevin (Bacon) Otto: Drums
James (Bond) Ryan: Guitar
Joe (Pesci) Occhiuti: Bass
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