Century "s/t" CD
[self-released]
My first impression of this EP was that it was disjointed (but promising) rhythmic metalcore that jumps from surging staccato rhythms and discordant guitar textures to weird sludge riffs and dissonant undercurrents while the vocals are strained shouts/growls, but the recording annoyed me and I didn't like that the drums sounded sort of like a drum machine. Then I discovered that this "band" is actually just one dude, Carson Slovak, so it would actually make sense if a drum machine was being used (I can't totally tell), so that makes it easier to let that aspect of the disc slide. The recording still needs work, but more on that later. The end result here is basically a concoction that sounds like Helmet meets Twelve Tribes to my ears, with a couple of other metalcore references from the mid-90's on through to today tossed around for good measure. "The Fate of Arbogast" is an efficient opener that has a powerfully dissonant chorus and some strong rhythms that give you a good idea of what's to come without spoiling everything, though admittedly the darker edge of this track is a little more interesting than some of the other material, even if the transitions between riffs are sort of random and incoherent. I do like the fuller sounding pace and feel of "Decagram" though, even if portions are a little weak or come off sounding almost entirely borrowed from the Helmet handbook. "Maneater" adds to this general approach with one break where some droning guitar textures seep into the distance, as well as a few more prominent basslines that definitely sound powerful. "The Last Neighborhood in America" opens slower with some samples from "Talk Radio" over acoustic guitars that quickly rise into a discordant array of layering and pulsing basslines that possess more breathing room and actually make for a pretty damn nice change of pace, as the samples return throughout the track over some strange arpeggiated riffs and swells of feedback. The one song that I don't care for at all is the cover of David Bowie's "Andy Warhol", which appears midway through the disc and uses singing vocals alongside female accompaniment and peppy indie rock power chords and shit that totally clash with the rest of the disc. It just doesn't fit and doesn't make any sense within the surrounding context of the EP, so... its diverse little twist doesn't really exhibit any strengths that the project isn't otherwise employing either. The recording's not bad at all considering it's one dude handling every instrument as well as the production and mixing and all that. I do think a better recording would aid in increasing the force here, though. The bass tone is absolutely perfect and should be left as is, and the drums are nice and crisp regardless of whether or not they're programmed. But certain elements of that crispness are too rigid, cutting through the mix and becoming a distraction at times. And I also think the guitars and vocals need a little more warmth and punch as well, as there's a little bit of a sheen over both elements that can feel like it holds things back here and there. The vocals also sound too forced sometimes, so... that's something I'd like to hear worked on as well. I think a heavier and more in your face form of distortion would open up some intensity here, and that might allow the vocals to fall into place better, so that's a potential starting point in really making the most of this material. The layout, also handled by Slovak, looks fucking awesome, dominated by metallic silver ink with lots of intricate psychedelic looking designs and crisp, tiny text. The booklet opens up from the center of the back to reveal the lyrics, which are rather succinct and abstract: "Your failure in life will be taken to heart by the people who replace you and I'll take my place beside you they heal you then eat you alive and time resolves space between us..." This kid is obviously extremely talented and has quite a vision going on here, so I commend him for his efforts and will look forward to hearing more. I think the songwriting needs to push for a little more differentiation from all of the similar sounding rhythmic surges and vocal arrangements, but he's got a lot to work with here. (6/10)
Running time - 21:03, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: The Fate of Arbogast, The Last Neighborhood in America]
Century - http://www.faithandfailure.com

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