The Amity Affliction’s This Could Be Heartbreak is far from heartbreak and follows relatively the same formula that propelled the Aussie’s fourth album, Let The Ocean Take Me to platinum status in their homeland. Ahren’s soaring vocals coupled with Joel’s powerful, angst-driven verses drive This Could Be Heartbreak. While iconic elements return in the Queensland/Victorian quartet’s fifth effort, including producer Will Putney and the familiar late-night voicemail cameo, there’s plenty key differences.
This Could Be Heartbreak is much easier on the ears. After opening with “I Bring The Weather With Me,” which feels like an homage to their past work, Ahren’s sweet, clean choruses take over. It’s a difficult track to follow, but The Amity Affliction pieces the album together well, making it difficult to purposely skip any song.
“Nightmare,” “Tearing Me Apart” and “O.M.G.I.M.Y” follow and lead the album into perhaps This Could Be Heartbreak‘s most revealing and diverse track “All Fucked Up.” Joel’s screaming takes an obvious backseat before taking over the back half of the record with his heavy, raging vocals exploring suicide, friendship and mental health.
This Could Be Heartbreak‘s diversity is a breath of fresh air and exemplifies the quartets vocal ability. It’s a pleasing roller coaster ride from top to bottom. While it’s difficult to pick out a single track that’s more imposing than “Pittsburgh” or “Don’t Lean On Me” from their last record - as a whole This Could Be Heartbreak is the Aussie’s most complete project to date.
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