Review: Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You by Scotto Moore

Rating: ★★★★☆-

Synopsis

Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You is a story of music, obsession, violence, and madness by Scotto Moore

I was home alone on a Saturday night when I experienced the most beautiful piece of music I had ever heard in my life.

Beautiful Remorse is the hot new band on the scene, releasing one track a day for ten days straight. Each track has a mysterious name and a strangely powerful effect on the band’s fans.

A curious music blogger decides to investigate the phenomenon up close by following Beautiful Remorse on tour across Texas and Kansas, realizing along the way that the band’s lead singer, is hiding an incredible, impossible secret.

Review

Thanks to the publisher and author for a finished copy of Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a copy of the novella did not influence my thoughts or opinions.

As with most Tor.com novellas, Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You was a highly original and entertaining ride. As the story progressed, I was interested to see where this rollercoaster was headed and it took some definite turns that I did not see coming.

Being a blogger like our protagonist, I know what it feels like to stumble upon an artist that has the “IT” factor and is just moments from blowing up. The excitement and anticipation that comes with discovering art that people will be clamoring for once it is released to the masses is beyond belief. I also know how crazy bloggers can sound when they are hyped up by something. I have been guilty of nerding out on numerous occasions, especially around people who could absolutely care less.

Having said that, I cannot imagine art giving off such supernatural feelings and emotions that are felt throughout this novella. The music that Beautiful Remorse releases has differing effects on the listeners of the world, some leading to self and outward violence, others leading to loss of memory or lack of interest in anything but. I know there are some songs out there that I could listen to all day, every day, but it is like buying a new car and seeing that every one else on the road has the same car: it seems cool at first, but it loses the flair after a while.

I want to go into more of the storyline but it would honestly ruin the read for you. Let’s just say that you won’t see the ending coming from a mile away, but Moore saves the best track for last.

If you are a punkrocker at heart or love reads with a rift of cosmic horror, give Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You a go. It is a quick read at only around 127 pages, so you can finish it in about an hour or two depending on reading speed.