Album Review: Misery Loves Company
Words/Opinions by: Meaghan D'Amico
New Jersey quartet Misery Loves Company will be your new obsession and here’s why. Their Revival Recordings debut, Love Notes and Highways out March 17 stirs up thoughts of early 2000’s emo music with the dark aesthetic and lyrical content. The EP starts out with almost circus type music in a track titled “Save Me From Myself.” This track will have you hooked in the first 30 seconds as the song teases what is to come on the rest of the short but concise EP. Vocalist Jimmy Ruggiero reminds me very much of early From First to Last and other emo vocalists from the early 2000’s in the best way. I love this EP because the band brings something else to the table in the Tri-State area music scene.
The second song on the EP is titled “All Used Up” discussing love and loss with Ruggiero saying, “Will I have the guts to say, I’m better off without you?” He’s clearly talking to an ex discussing how their relationship was toxic and he feels much better being away from the other person. These are all things people can relate to, trying to find a way to get out of a toxic relationship or friendship. He goes on to say “All the pain you caused me left me sick, so sick.” These songs would translate so well live because of racing guitars and heavy drums.
The third song “Dead and Buried,” questions commitment in the afterlife, with lyrics like “When we’re dead and buried, will you be with me?” The song and lyrics although serious, have a video that shows a collective vibe complete with girls in fishnets and dark lipstick lying on the band in a bed after a night of booze.
Track number 5, titled “To Whom It May Concern” is probably the heaviest track on the EP as it is filled with anger and aggression toward and ex-lover and someone who clearly did someone wrong. One lyric that stands out to me is “screaming in pain, as I carve up your face in the name of God. I couldn’t stop myself...” This is the song for people who want to punch or hurt someone who hurt them. These are the kinds of songs I lean on most in times of hurt and Misery Loves Company has just the song for you.
These songs struggle with loss, love and very real emotions despite the emo guise. Check out the album when it comes out on St. Patrick’s Day via Revival Recordings!
My overall rating: 3/5
