Local Review: Mome Wrath – Open Letter to Mars pt. 1

Mome Wrath
Open Letter To Mars pt.1

Self Released
Street: 11.30.17
Mome Wrath = Coheed & Cambria + The Mars Volta

Salt Lake indie-prog-rock fivesome, Mome Wrath comprise of Jarin Eastman, Brigham Bastian, Chase Henson, Jordan Dew and Tyson Nelson. “Open Letter” is the first of a supposed two-part collection telling the story of a young man struggling to seek fulfillment through superficial means and finding himself wanting, the forthcoming second half being his story of love, loss and positive change. Mome Wrath’s self-identified “rock opera flare” is unmistakable in their experimental ethos, both narratively and sonically, including lengthy, wayfaring compositions.

Open Letter To Mars pt.1 continues with “Catch and Release,” a track with a tone of rebellion and hesitance that flows through the five-track EP in classic, post-punk style. “Crystal Clear” brings a spoken-word storytelling style rich with sexy and sardonic imagery. The narrative of Mome Wrath’s music is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect, veering along a visually rich path of brackish weirdness.

“Even I” is a strong, solemn tune with a lovely reverb and distant piano dabbling in the backdrop, adding a sophisticated grandeur to Wrath’s overall punk sound. “Release Me” opens with almost a Nirvana-esque persona, balancing melodic chords and astringent sentimentality. Closing track “Turn Back Time” appears to accomplish just that, with a late-’90s alternative vibe mixed with ragtime and classic piano a la’ “Bohemian Rhapsody,” lofty opening and textural detours included. Wayne and Garth would headbang with approval at this final offering in the tracklist.

Open Letter to Mars Pt. 1 makes the listener inescapably curious and occasionally perplexed, accomplishing exactly what their apparent genre and target audience would expect. Assuming the second half of the collection brings further clarity, Mome Wrath have something interesting and unusual to offer the local music landscape. –Paige Zuckerman