Collapsar "s/t" CD
[self-released]
This instrumental trio (one dude on guitar, one dude on guitar and electronics, and one dude on drums) features former members of Icepick Revival and plays interesting heavy math rock type material. Expect lots of unusual time signatures, changes, shifts in dynamics, noisy textures, rhythmic chord progressions, dual guitar interaction, etc. There's definitely a jazzy sort of influence going on with some of the lush clean breaks, but it's sort of like jazz meets ethereal experimentalism, it's not too straightforward. The electronics are actually very well used in my opinion, adding subtle textures that fit the moods of the compositions. All of the songs are incredibly long (damn near an average of 10 minutes each), and consistent with one another, but the fluidity works nicely, and the overtly melodic and diverse "The Narcissist" is a surefire winner in my book. The recording does need work. It's pretty muddy. The density helps make up for the absence of a bassist, but the drums are sort of puffy, so while they sound fairly natural, there's a "swooshing" sort of effect that pushes the drum hits out a bit much (specially on the kicks). The guitar tone is fairly strong, though. It's heavy, but textured and clear. I don't mind it. I'd love to hear warmer, crisper drums and the involvement of a bassist, but they're on the right track for the most part. The CD-R comes in a slim jewel case with a pretty shitty layout, if I do say so, and I must. The band logo is atrocious (please, by all means, change it), and the images/text are pixilated. The package would've looked more professional with nothing but the black and white band photo from the inside on the front cover. Visually this thing is hurting, and had there not been a little note on the case that read "ex-Icepick Revival", this probably would've sat in the pile of "Oh, man, I don't want to listen to this junk." CD's for a few more weeks before I got around to it. Honest truth. But musically this is good stuff, and I can only see better coming from them in the future. Fans of bands like Engine Kid and Breadwinner, and of course Icepick Revival, should enjoy this, granted it's not as technical as the aforementioned bands, but it should satisfy your thirst for stuttered rhythms and time changes. (6/10)
Running time - 29:50, Tracks: 3
[Notable tracks: all three are strong, but "The Narcissist" is the winner]
Collapsar - sensoryoverload@yahoo.com

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