This summer, On My Honor brings to the table the release of their sophomore full-length, I Never Deserve The Things I Need. Already establishing themselves in the scene with the release of their EP, Nature & Nurture, back in 2011, these Tennessee hometown heroes have become relentlessly dedicated road dogs since day one, who have played countless shows while gaining an extremely incredible fan base. With the help of The Swellers lead vocalist Nick Diener for the production of this album, On My Honor brings it home yet again with another honest and matured release that hits straight to the heart.
The opening track, "Tired" is an uplifting song that reflects in context a prequel, revolving around a hopeful and aspiring theme for this album. One of the most spine-chilling lines of this opening ballad, "Lately all of the positive things that I say, are just my way of making myself think I am okay", can reflect from relatable moments of discontent one might experience when facing a conflicting crossroad. The immediate thought that comes to mind when listening to this song for the first time is that this will definitely be a release that conveys heartfelt lyrics that will hit close to home in the long run. The album's first blistering single, "Time To Heal", is an explosively-progressive track that continues to add to the preceding context of "Tired". With its mesmerizing chorus, "Tear the skin from my hands, holding only the bone/I continue to climb until the muscle is gone", On My Honor provides an inspiring and hopeful message to continue to move forward with perseverance.
With the creative and innovative mind of Diener (The Swellers) lending a helping hand in producing I Never Deserve The Things I Need, you can tell that On My Honor definitely incorporates distinct influences from The Swellers; from their uniquely honest lyrics that complement an explosive and heartfelt sound, to the dynamic musicianship amongst the group. Many standalone tracks that reflect this particular influence include "Gypsy Summer" and "Say It With An "I"", and "Rafters" can also be comparable to the likes of other young established bands such as Fireworks and Real Friends, for example.
For a closing track of an album, "Present Tense", still provides a sincere and humble message that reflects from the genuine musicianship that On My Honor provides on this album from start to finish. "When I compare the past to my present tense/ I am as clean as I have ever been", are lines that tie together the wholesome message this album conveys; bringing home a valuable to keep into your heart when life becomes overwhelming. I wouldn't say to the highest extent that I Never Deserve The Things I Need is considered to be a concept album, but regardless each song on this release provides a relateable theme for listeners to grasp. This is an album that will further prove how a dedicated and genuine a group like On My Honor deserves their recognition and success in the music scene since their early days. Overall, as reiterated before, I Never Deserve The Things I Need is an honest and mature album that is pleasant in spirit to the genuine emotions that people hold true in keeping punk rock and pop punk music alive in their hearts today.
Tracklist:
1. Tired
2. Time To Heal
3. Gypsy Summer
4. Sketchbooks
5. I Never Deserve The Things I Need
6. Say It With The "I"
7. A Negative Mind
8. Rafters
9. Indrid Cold
10. Present Tense
RIYL: Ups And Downsizing by The Swellers, All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion by Fireworks, Everyone That Dragged You Here EP by Real Friends, Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World
Rating:
Written by Ryan McGrath
