Hmmm, here's some weird post-hardcore meets emo/indie rock meets pseudo experimental rock, complete with keyboards (usually piano) and unique singing vocals (often doubled), both distorted guitars and spacey clean textures, and some viola, violin, and cello (thanks to some guest musicians). There's definitely a little bit of an At the Drive-In thing going on, but this is more melodic and straightforward to a degree, maybe if you mixed At the Drive-In with modern U2 or something like that... I don't know. "Canon" is longer and darker than the other songs, with spoken vocal passages, fuzzed out basslines, and distant guitars/percussion with a quaint piano run repeating in the center. It's largely instrumental until some singing kicks in at the end. "Life Death" is far catchier and more upbeat, but it's definitely held back by the keyboards, which are very distracting. The production is really dense and there are a lot of great lush tones and layers, but something's missing... I'm not sure what. The drums definitely sound great, and the overall sound is actually really good. But something's off. I don't know if I'd like to hear a bit more clarity? Maybe it's slightly muddy? Maybe the mix has some gaps? I just can't tell... I think the vocal doubling is a problem, though. If they were harmonies that would be fine, but it's just doubled, so it can get annoying. I don't know. The layout's 50/50. I really like the imagery and the illustration of the robot on the cover, but the generic "computer font" used for the lettering inside is hard on the eyes and just comes off as too busy. Clearly the lyrical content is personal, but things are handled in a different fashion, things aren't exactly mysterious, but they're not put out on a platter either. "The dusty book on your endtable taught you how to make a lethal fragmentary detonator from common household thoughts, You put a fistful of salt (in my eyes), This is what it was like..." I sort of like this, but I sort of dislike it as well. It's neither good nor bad, and while I could see them doing something interesting, this is easily something I can do without.
[Fearless]
Running time - 26:07, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: Canon]
Fearless Records - http://www.fearlessrecords.com
