Iero’s somber ‘Parachutes’ worth exploring dark corners

Frank Iero and his backing band have ventured on a new musical endeavor under the name “Frank Iero and the Patience.” The name change being an ironic joke, as Iero has liberally stated not only he but the entirety of modern culture severely lacks the virtue of patience.

The title of their recently released record, “Parachutes,” is at this point in time a paradoxical oxymoron. “Parachutes are life saving devices. We rely on them to bring us back from the brink of death. Whether we fall or jump they are the only things keeping us alive,” said Iero in a personal statement posted on his blog, but while on a pre-release tour in Australia earlier this month, the band was severely injured in a bus crash while unloading their gear. All members of the band have released updates on their condition since the incident, but the band has since suspended all of its remaining tour dates this year.

Fans of the band not only have released an outpouring of support but are patiently waiting for the day that they will return to play arguably some of the most pivotal songs of their career. “Parachutes” has been gaining praise from both fans and music critics alike for being possibly the most deeply personal album Iero has penned in his over 15 years in the music industry.

By the time the audience reaches the final track on the record, listeners will feel like they’ve not only been in an intimate conversation with the artist, but that they’ve also been emotionally drained and kicked in the gut all at the hands of lyrics.“9-6-15,” a song about the passing of Iero’s grandfather, leaves a bitter sweet residual feeling that not many will willingly enjoy but will, however, empathize with.

Musically, this release shows Iero’s quintessential stylings as a guitar player. Blending both the simple power chords of punk rock at it’s finest with appealing octave harmonies, it lays the perfect foundation for his iconic riffs. While innovating, the band has also seemed to simultaneously pay homage to its roots within New Jersey’s music scene on songs like “They Wanted Darkness …” As the opening bass line seems to be a soft-nod to “Helena,” by The Misfits.

While this is Iero’s most somber release to date, following the group members into the dark corners of their lives is worth while. The veracity and voicings of indifference are a pungent truth that may not be enjoyed by all, though command to be respected.

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