PMtoday

PMtoday, a band out of Jacksonville, Arkansas, has a new album out on Pure Volume. And Then the Hurricane is a punchy, energetic release that boldly addresses the perils of youth, set to a whirling speed of sound akin to bands such as Fall Out Boy or PMtoday’s label mate, New Found Glory. Fans of their boisterous live sets will not be disappointed. They pull no punches on this recording. Lead vocalist Connor Brogan’s emotive voice commands attention and the band’s proficient chops are greatly accentuated by Andrew Maysilles expert production at Mayday Studios.
“I used to be a king at one point in time/ Now I live in exile” Brogan sings in a near-whisper on opener, “Celebration.” This short-lived gentleness is the proverbial quiet before the storm. As soon as the next song, “Doctor!” begins, the album’s title makes immediate sense. PMtoday barely stop for a breath throughout the remainder of the disc, blending intoxicatingly catchy pop hooks and punk approach with a tinge of metal. While the liner notes do not credit any one member of the band with lyrics, whatever member of the band does the writing has quite a bit to say. Nearly every song contains a lot of words, with the title track and “We Learn as We Grow” including upwards of 300 words. The lyrics on most of the songs found here read like love notes written never to be sent.
The recurring themes of love, medication, and fear of the future once again make the album’s title an appropriate one, the hurricane being the onslaught of reality and uncertainty of growing up. The only song that is out of place on the album is the “hidden” track, “Dreams of America,” which is a straight up hardcore song. And while the song isn’t their best by any means, it may be evidence of earlier hardcore roots, which would explain their dexterous musicianship. PMtoday is a young, talented band that will doubtlessly only get better. Let’s see what they sound like after they’ve weathered the storm. KT
- Localist Magazine

Label: N/A
Release: August 2007
Hometown: AR


9.5 (out of 10)


Let's just say that these guys have a really motivated manager that is making sure that they get noticed. Well I'm taking notice of Pmtoday's new album "And Then The Hurricane." These five guys from Arkansas are unsigned but are working hard to work up the success ladder. This first album is a start and if their music is anything like the people they hang around, this will be a treat.
Pmtoday's self titled EP graced our ears two years ago and while that was a nice set of tracks, this full length is a much better showcase of their style. And this style, while spotted with mature moments, is actually a finicky load of energy and roller-coasters of guitars. Picture the high pitched indie vocals that flourish in bands such as Circa Survive, Saosin, and Damiera. Now mix it with the jittery, sugar-filled guitars that never seem to quit in bands like The Fall Of Troy, As Cities Burn, and Damiera. This is starting to sound like a recipe for something great.
And guess what. It is! Pmtoday has mixed the energetic spiral stage attics with memorable progressive indie rock, to make some truly exciting music. The brisk pace does let up occasionally, to let in some smooth and comforting mood indie that flows just as well as your uncontrollable guitar frolics that are simply platinum to my ears. The only things I can see that are remotely weird about the album, is that you sometimes have to double take some of the vocals which sound like they are coming from a 12 year old boy.
Tried and true, "And Then The Hurricane" is a fantastic album in a sea of failures. The sped up and random fretwork is one of the main reasons this is so great. The vocals are the other reason and both are superb. Take notice people, Pmtoday and their style of progression (Fall Of Troy Damiera) are on the up and up. Go out and buy this album and you will not only thank me but you might even buy your special someone the album to get them in good mood for later. (it works and yes I said Damiera a lot.)
- Skyline Press