Megosh - Apostasy (2016)

Tracklist
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01. Checkerboards & Cigarettes
02. I Stole from the Dead
03. Carrying Fire (feat. Garret Rapp)
04. Desperada
05. Waste of Me
06. Buffalo!
07. Jackson Pollock's Portrait of Kennedy
08. Okay, So This Song Is About You
09. Ask Your Mother
10. These Go to Eleven
11. Monsters (Electric)
12. Ice Melts
13. Leg Warmers
14. War Drums

Timing is everything, so it’s a shame that Megosh’s sophomore record got the end of the year treatment, when no one is looking for new releases. It’s no major issue, as Apostasy has all the hallmarks of an album you discover long after it’s out. The Maryland band plays a style of progressive post-hardcore that’s seen a mild resurgence; it falls somewhere between Coheed and Cambria, Pierce The Veil, and I The Mighty (with some of Ice Nine Kill’s theatricality). It’s also 14 songs long, and it’s definitely an album album, one meant to be digested as a whole rather than in sections, making it not exactly easily approachable, at least on the surface. That’s all a shame, as Megosh’s pop sensibilities are readily apparent from the get-go, and despite establishing an impressive take on prog/post-hardcore, no two songs sound the same. This makes for a consistently entertaining listen that only gets better with repeat spins. Even the more “standard” post-hardcore tune “Waste of Me” showcases the melodic and technical flair that elevates these songs.

Over the course of this 50-minute album, there are some points that feel like they could be cut out. “Buffalo!” is a nice chance of pace from the early onslaught, but it’s mostly a throwaway track, especially preceding the excellent piano jam, “Jackson Pollack’s Portrait of Kennedy”. Also, “Okay, So This Should Is About You” and “Ask Your Mother” highlight how thin the line is between success and mediocrity for the band. They aren’t bad songs, but they pale in comparison to the rest of the record.

Three of the final four songs right things (“Ice Melts” is fine as an acoustic number) and leave a lasting impression. Megosh are clearly the real deal, and their excellent sophomore record reveals a band to watch. Those looking for post-hardcore that is equally hooky and heady are sure to love Apostasy.

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