Sophie's Floorboard: Make Do And Mend

Make Do And Mend are a four-piece post-hardcore/punk band from West Hartford, Connecticut, though are currently based in Boston, Massachusetts. They formed in 2006, and have been kicking ass ever since. They're best characterised by their blend of gruffness and melody. Vocalist James Carroll often sings in a harsh, strained voice (though he does incorporate a softer sound for softer parts), but the vocal melodies are often quite catchy and melodic, which makes for a pleasant dynamic. The guitars also follow this pattern. Though there are certainly exclusively gentle parts, most songs are full of thick rhythm chords carrying the bottom end while soaring, melodic, lead lines fill in the top end. I suppose you can see why they're often compared to Hot Water Music now, eh? Regardless of that, they've got a great thing going on of their own. They're pretty consistent with their songwriting, since they seem to continuously pump out great jams. I guess I don't need to say much else, a lot of you probably know them anyway. Though if you are starting out with them, Bodies Of Water and End Measured Mile are probably their two greatest works, or at least I think so.

FFO: Hot Water Music, Thrice, Jimmy Eat World, Brand New, The Movielife