Bloom is the second EP by American rock band Of Mice & Men. It was released on May 28, 2021, through SharpTone Records. The EP was produced by the band themselves and it is the follow-up to the group's debut EP, Timeless (2021).[1][2][3][4][5] It is the second part of their so-called "EP Trilogy".[6][7]
| Bloom | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | May 28, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2020 | |||
| Genre | Metalcore | |||
| Length | 12:30 | |||
| Label | SharpTone | |||
| Producer | Of Mice & Men | |||
| Of Mice & Men chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Bloom | ||||
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Background and promotion
editOn April 21, 2021, two months after the band's debut EP release, they unveiled a new single and title track "Bloom" while also announced the EP itself, the EP cover, the track list, and release date.[8][9] This would be the second of three EPs released in the year.[10][11]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Dead Press! |   [12] |
| Distorted Sound | 9/10[13] |
The EP received generally positive reviews from critics. Dead Press! gave the EP a positive review saying: "Benefitting from a shorter runtime and not playing it too safe, Bloom builds on the foundations of Timeless to create a release that breathes fresh ideas into Of Mice & Men's sound."[12] Distorted Sound gave the EP a higher score than the previous EP and stated that "Recovered from their stumbling block, Of Mice & Men's flower is not for the feint of heart. Taking a psyche in distress, Bloom dissects it into clean thirds like an autopsy. This clinical approach to release construction is perfect for their original modus operandi. These smaller snapshots into dark mentalities are beautiful in their composition. Short, sharp soundtracks such as Bloom are more than enough to have fans begging for more."[13]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Levee" | 4:50 |
| 2. | "Bloom" | 4:17 |
| 3. | "Pulling Teeth" | 3:22 |
| Total length: | 12:30 | |
Personnel
editOf Mice & Men
- Aaron Pauley – lead vocals, bass, mixing, mastering
- Alan Ashby – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Phil Manansala – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Valentino Arteaga – drums, percussion
Additional personnel
- Of Mice & Men – engineering, production
- Derek Hess – artwork
References
edit- ^ "Of Mice & Men Release New Song 'Bloom,' Announce Second EP of 2021". Loudwire. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ "Of Mice & Men announce new EP Bloom, release title-track". Kerrang!. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ "NEWS: Of Mice & Men announce 'Bloom' EP; share title-track!". Dead Press!. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Of Mice & Men Announce "Bloom" EP Out 5/28 + Share Video For Title Track". Rock 'N' Load. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "LISTEN: Of Mice & Men's Brutally Textured New Track 'Bloom'". Rock Sound. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Of Mice & Men Reportedly Planning EP Trilogy". ThePRP. January 18, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
- ^ "NEWS: Of Mice & Men will release three EPs in 2021!". Dead Press!. January 19, 2021. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
- ^ "OF MICE & MEN Announces New EP 'Bloom', Shares Title Track". Blabbermouth.net. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ "Of Mice & Men Surprise Drop New Heavy Track 'Bloom' + Announce New EP!". Wall Of Sound. April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ Aaron Pauley [@aaronpauley] (January 18, 2021). "3 EPs means new music all year!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 20, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Carter, Emily (January 19, 2021). "Of Mice & Men's Aaron Pauley teases trilogy of EPs in 2021". Kerrang!. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ a b Taylor, Damon (May 29, 2021). "EP REVIEW: Of Mice & Men – Bloom". Dead Press!. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
- ^ a b Brown, Tasha (May 26, 2021). "EP Review: Bloom – Of Mice & Men". Distorted Sound Mag. Retrieved June 11, 2021.