Out Of Service – Devastation Awaits

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The fifth LP from Out Of Service, called Devastation Awaits, finds the band expanding upon their unique sound while still finding ways to add new elements to their music. The set was produced, mixed and mastered by vocalist Mike Capuano, and the now-independent New Jersey band is self-releasing the record today. One of the first things that longtime fans of Out Of Service will notice on Devastation Awaits is the addition of more screamed vocals from Capuano, as evident on the aggressive opener of “Devastation” as well as the second track, “Secrets and Daggers and Mirrors.” After the more somber and acoustic-driven effort found on Reflections & Refractions Volume One, Devastation Awaits is the polar opposite to that previous record by providing a direct reaction to the world around us.

The album’s best song, “Relentless”, settles into a nice groove after the hard-tinged opening two songs and showcases some of the songwriting improvements from the now three piece band rounded out by Bryan “Teebs” Williams (guitar/bass) and Ken Bond (drums). The nice opening guitar riff sets the tone for the song, and the bass-heavy verses create a nice canvas for Capuano to lay his vocals on. Capuano confidently sings on the chorus, “You don’t know the damage you create” before later adding, “Or maybe you do, and you do it in anyway.” The driving rhythm of the song is great stuff all around.

”Pv” adds in some backing strings in the background early on before getting back to the sound the band delved into on The Ground Beneath Me, that is sure to bring back some memories of that era. This particular song dives into the concept of self-doubt and wanting to find the human connections that make us all feel a little less alone. “Acrylic Sealer” reminded a lot of the stylistic choices that Thrice made on their Beggars record, and Out Of Service do much more than just fan service on this emo-tinged song that evokes strong emotions behind it.

The aggressive nature found on the beginning of Devastation Awaits returns on songs like “The Observer” that features more shouted/screamed vocals to get the right type of emotional reaction to it. The heavy guitar riffs by Williams in-between the chorus and verses are solid, and highlights the improvements in his approach to the instrument. “Ripples on a Blank Shore” finds Ken Bond keeping a steady beat behind the kit while Williams adds in some intricate chords in the background to bring more weight to the lyrics of Capuano.

”J.J. Lenoir” is another memorable song in the set, since it is largely built around the cool opening guitar riff by Williams, and furthers the development of the band as a whole. “Shadowfell” finds Capuano grappling with the concept of falling deeper into the darkest of thoughts, while the instrumentation provides a contrast to the somber lyrics to leave a light at the end of the tunnel. “Dust” has the lone guest spot on the record, with an assist from Souveneer, and the artist lends his vocals on the second verse to make for a cool back and forth between the two vocalists telling a story.

”Closer” wraps up the latest chapter of Out Of Service on the right note with some great-sounding guitar tones and slick production. The band are at their best when they realize their strengths of evoking the right emotions behind each pointed lyric, and they make a point to hone in on these elements to put their best foot forward. Devastation Awaits is a brutal, at times punishing, reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly things can spiral out of control when we don’t pay attention to our hearts. Out Of Service continue to impress and reward their fans with another solid outing here.

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