Poor Me – Cosplay

by CHARLIE ANDERSON

3 stars out of 5

Released December 15, Cosplay is the sophomore release from the five-piece punk act, Poor Me. The concept album examines the idea of heroism, exploring our own realm of impact as humans as well as the effect of our indifference, using the mythology of comic book characters to illustrate their reasoning. As Poor Me explains, these characters shoulder the responsibility of entire communities as the whole world watches, smash fear before it poisons their head, and offer examples of humanist vigilantism while being treated as less than human themselves. The sound remains largely an alternative pop-punk, delving frequently into hardcore, though lead singer Brett Delaney maintains a smooth edge throughout the album. Perhaps the most admirable aspect comes from the fact that in a genre often associated with angst and indignation, Poor Me focuses on the capacity of humanity to achieve good in the world.