When writing music for a band, it’s difficult not to be influenced by your favorite bands. Through Word of Man’s latest release, it’s evident that the band loves Oceana and Circa Survive.
The Modesto-based band released their debut EP titled “Everything Since Then Has Just Been Recovery” on Jan. 24, 2012.
The four-song EP brings a mix of driving drums, catchy guitars riffs and passionate vocals. The opening song, “Wideaway,” kicks the album off with a guitar intro that easily sticks in your head, followed by a verse resembling something from Oceana’s “Clean Head EP.” Guitarist Schyler Johnson and bassist Kyle Gendle keep the riff driving until the verse. “Wideaway” continues through four minutes of verses and choruses, leading to a lengthy bridge with big instrumental sections and layered vocals. This is a solid song that shows the true sound of the band.
The following song, “Just Friends,” catches listeners off guard at first listen. This song is much different from the opening track. Simplified guitars and drums change the dynamics of the band. Structurally similar, a very simple verse-chorus model moves the song to, once again, a lengthy bridge. Danae Flory’s piano brings completeness to what could be a dreadfully boring bridge. Unnecessary screams fill the background to a dry middle of the song and at a length of 4:42, the track can be difficult to get through at times.
“Juggernaught” is next on the album and is also the longest track, at a ridiculous 5:35. The track opens with a palm-muted guitar, resembling the verse in “Pale Black Eye” by Manchester Orchestra. Once you get through the first couple of verses and choruses, the song takes a turn. It develops into big instrumental sections split-up by straight forward hits on the kick drum and very wordy vocal arrangements by vocalist and guitarist Valley Taylor, making the listener want to rewind the song. “Juggernaught” is by far the biggest sounding track on the record.
The final track on the EP starts out different from any of the previous three songs. Drummer Michael Hardwick takes over the intro on “Oleander,” but as soon as the intro is over, the track takes the same route as the rest of the album. Standard verses and choruses play on for a while, until a long instrumental build up. The song does bring in a powerful bass-break but soon goes into a weak chorus to end the song; a very lackluster way to end the album.
Overall, the EP is a solid debut release from Word of Man, even though the quality could have been higher. Better annunciation on the vocals would have really added to the passionate lyrics. The guitar and drum work was great (especially on “Wideaway”), but as a whole it sounded pretty standard. What hurt the EP the most is the length. The four songs come out to nearly a 20 minute record, which is far too long. 
Nonetheless, Word of Man has some great potential and with more producing, they could turn into a very good band. “Everything Since Then Has Just Been Recovery” is worth checking out if you’re of fan of Oceana’s “Clean Head EP” or Circa Survive’s “On Letting Go.”
The EP was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Patterson, California with Thomas Roscoe of the local band Dim City Lights.
“Everything Since Then Has Just Been Recovery” is available for free at wordofman.bandcamp.com.