SONG REVIEW: If Not For Me - "Demons"
“PA powerhouse’s If Not For Me signs to InVogue and releases incredible new single”
by Jesse Smith
If we are going to talk about the best and most underrated bands in the scene If Not For Me is among the top of the list. Based in Harrisburg, PA, this metalcore quartet blends incredibly crafted melodies and shred with a nice balance of heaviness. From their inception in 2016, the band have had incredible releases, but last year’s “Eulogy” was the most mature release and gained a lot of attention. The band has been busy, and within that, the band has signed to our friends over at InVogue Records and have released their new single titled “Demons”.
This song is an incredible follow up to their last EP and has grown on the foundation they’ve already laid. The song starts and stays very energetic, while remaining to have parts pop and stand out. The heavy distorted guitar tone was the first thing I noticed and is leading the mix which makes it sound super crunchy. Singer Patrick Glover has an incredible voice and truly makes every moment special and big. The best example of big is the chorus which feels like a wave crashing down around you and now you’re completely submerged. While having a mainstream rock vibe, the delivery by the entire band makes it extremely unique. Something else about the singer Patti, both his clean vocals and screams are absolutely S tier. Having the high singing with incredible melodies while also having the ability to snap into aggressive screams give the band so much dynamic. The peak of this track is definitely the build up and breakdown. An exciting build up that has so many layers into a very smooth and punchy breakdown really makes you wanna slam!
I have been a fan of this band for awhile and it’s about time they are finally getting the eyes on them they deserve. They have been an unstoppable force in the central PA music scene for a while and I knew it was only a matter of time that they were just going to take off. Demons is a very strong first single and if I know the music scene, this was just an introduction to the new INFM. I am truly excited to see what else they have lined up, because if this is what they lead with, I can only imagine what they have up their sleeves. An incredible signing to an incredible label.