Glassjaw - Material Control

Every genre has influential bands. Special bands that pave the way for so many bands that follow them. Bands that aren't afraid to do things differently and end up becoming so individual that even copycats can never sound like them. Every single genre has these bands. Post-hardcore has Glassjaw. Developing a loyal fanbase very early on that's continued to grow over the years, Daryl Palumbo and crew took the hardcore formula and threw a ton of other influences in, and created music that was as destructive and manic as it was beautiful. Their first 2 records Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence and Worship and Tribute quickly garnered what you could call cult status within hardcore, and have been cited as influences by numerous bands over the last 15 years. They started teasing new material a couple of years back, and we've been eagerly waiting. The new music is finally here, and it's in the form of their first full length in 15 years Material Control. There is certainly hype surrounding this record. Does it live up to it?

This album, as you'd expect, is a rollercoaster ride of adrenaline fuelled madness and the occasional spot of calm to allow you to catch your breath. Lead single shira was the first introduction we got to the new material, and what an introduction. A dark, brooding, energetic return to form. Exactly what the masses of loyal fanatics needed to hear. The vocal melody choices reminded me a LOT of Chino Moreno (Deftones vocalist), and added to the sinister feel of the track. Other tracks that follow this suit are the unmistakably angry golgotha, the white knuckle ride that is new white extremity, and the classic Glassjaw sounding cut and run. They have in no way lost their spark, and they're most certainly flaunting that fact as often as possible. As expected, there are shades of light thrown in to the dark to provide a bit of relief from the madness, and on this record it's in the form of strange hours. A pulsing, gradually swelling lullaby that provides a well needed breather in the middle of the album. When you reach this breather, appreciate it, because it's the only one you'll get. The album bursts straight back into more absolute ragers like pompeii, bibleland 6 and personal favourite my conscience weighs a ton. Musically this album is great, and is just as clever and mind bending as it is simple and tasteful. There's a great balance between both elements, and the musicianship and skill on show is at a high level. I have to give a special shout out to the bassist Travis Sykes for ripping some absolutely beasty basslines throughout the record. Like seriously, every single track has something tasty going on at some point with the bass, be it cleverly placed stabs or musically decorative runs. All in all, this is a great record. Not their best, and definitely not their best produced as it sounds kind of muddy and blurred at times. But that's part of their charm right? They aren't clean cut, they're raw and to the point. And that's exactly what this album is. Raw and to the point.

I can't lie, this album isn't quite what I expected. I mean it is in places. Sort of. But there is a massive Deftones vibe running throughout the entire record. I don't have an issue with this at all, as I love Chino and his merry band of stoned musicians. I just wasn't expecting to hear that influence on a Glassjaw record. That said, they did make a name for themselves by combining a load of influences together. What harm is another ingredient to the recipe, ay? This album is unpredictable in places, and they definitely haven't lost that "edge of your seat" element. It's definitely equal parts destructive and beautiful too. All in all, this is the logical next step for them. It may have taken 15 years to finish the step (which I guess is more of a drawn out stride, or a lunge), but it's so good to hear them finally make it. They're back, and they have some time to make up for. Expect a new wave of solid post-hardcore to emerge. Glassjaw have just breathed new life into it.

D.S

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What I've Been Listening To - November 2017

This year has been a pretty strong year for music. Especially for the alternative scene. The number of bands releasing absolute belters is growing every week, with some bands unleashing what some may consider the best album of their careers. I've been doing a lot of travelling this month, which has given me plenty of time to listen to a ton of new records as well as indulge in some long forgotten ones. Although apparently it hasn't given me plenty of time to write any posts. Erm. Oops. Consider this a sort of written warning to myself, and I'm going to try and get straight back on the reviews in December. Anyway, I digress. This is some of the stuff that's been getting a regular spin on my numerous audio devices (not bragging, I'm just a hoarder).

Like Moths To Flames - Dark Divine

I've been a fan of these guys for a long time, and was fashionably late to the party. At least that's what I call it. Most would just say I didn't pay attention early enough. But at least I'm at the party now, right? I fell in love with their last album The Dying Things We Live For, and this album serves as a natural and obvious next step for them. It boasts radio friendly bangers such as the lead single Nowhere Left To Sink, and still packs heavy and thunderous tracks like New Plagues and Mischief Managed. There's always space at the party for more if you haven't seen your invite yet. Consider this your invite. Get involved.

Polaris - The Mortal Coil

These are a relatively new find for me, but I've been seeing their name popping up everywhere on social media recently. This usually means that they either have tonnes of money and are awful or have label backing and are finally getting the push they deserve. Luckily enough, it's the latter. This album is a modern metalcore banger. Just go onto YouTube and check out the video for Lucid. If that doesn't pull you in, what's wrong with you my dude? They were on the most recent Never Say Die Tour alongside heavyweights Emmure, Chelsea Grin and Deez Nuts, and from what I've seen in reviews they absolutely killed it every night. I highly recommend you remember their name, as you're probably going to be seeing it around a hell of a lot soon.

Converge - The Dusk In Us

Absolute chaos from the band that arguably invented the genre they sit at the top of. Back when they first emerged there was nobody like them, and this record proves there still isn't. I Can Tell You About Pain is classic Converge, soaked in feedback and completely bursting with energy and unpredictability. Arkhipov Calm is strangely catchy despite the absolute madness that develops throughout, which can also be said about Murk & Marrow. But one of the stand out tracks is the title track The Dusk In Us, which is a dark and brooding monster that grows and warps into a variety of different beasts throughout. If you're into bands like Norma Jean and The Chariot and you don't know about Converge, educate yourself. They probably wouldn't exist if it wasn't for this band.

Protest The Hero - Fortress

I discovered these guys on Myspace (yes, I know, I'm old) during their touring cycle for their debut album Kezia. At the time I was into technical music that I had no hope in hell of being able to play, and as a result I latched onto this band very quickly. I mean, I still have no hope of playing anything they've ever written, but at the time it was even less likely. When they dropped Fortress it completely set a new bar for everything else I was listening to at the time, and became one of those records I'd have on repeat over and over again. Absolute mosh anthems like Bloodmeat and Wretch still sound just as mental today. Limb From Limb is still just as catchy, and the video is still hilarious. Palms Read has never stopped being my favourite song on the record, and Sequoia Throne is forever going to be one of those songs I wish I'd written. They recently announced they're doing a 10 year anniversary tour of this album, and I'm praying that it comes to the UK. If any of the band are reading this PLEASE BRING THE ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO THE UK. 10 tracks of catchy, technical gold.

Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic

Every Time I Die are my favourite band of all time. Just sayin'. In my opinion, no band comes close. Like there's no competition. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. This isn't my favourite record of theirs, but I've been spinning it recently for the riffs. Which, without needing to provide too much information, are enormous. I dare you to listen to For The Record and White Smoke and not pummel anything within reach into dust. I dare you to check out Wanderlust and not pick up your air guitar to pretend-strum those licks. I challenge you to listen to Organ Grinder and After One Quarter Of A Revolution and not fight your twitching limbs, eager to join a pit. Keith Buckley (vocals) hates this album because he had writers block for a large portion of the recording process, but his lyrics are still more thought provoking and intelligent than the majority of bands in the scene today. I most certainly don't hate this record, and if you haven't heard this yet, I doubt you will either.

Dance Gavin Dance - Mothership

One of my favourite records to be released last year, and most certainly my favourite record they've ever released. I held the Jonny Craig records in the highest regard, and didn't think they'd ever find a vocalist that could put on a performance that would trump what he did on the Downtown Battle Mountain albums. Enter Tillian Pearson, an actual angel in human form. His performances on Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise and Inspire The Liars are impossible to hate. And that high note he hits in the chorus of Here Comes The Winner? It gives me goosebumps every single time. He's something else entirely. No one else has a voice that comes close. His control and range are incredible. AND he doesn't sell invisible Macbooks to kids on Twitter or take heroin. What a guy. Musically, too, this album is by far their most flamboyant and impressive. They're coming over to the UK next year with Veil Of Maya who have also recently released one of the best records of their career. Add it to your list of shows to attend. 

December already has a ton of music I'm excited to check out, including the new Glassjaw record that was released today. Expect a bunch more reviews in the coming weeks. I have a lot of catching up to do. As per usual, if there's anything you think I should be listening to, drop me a message! I'm always up for discovering new music. 

Right, I'm off to go and watch Stick To Your Guns in Birmingham. Peace out.

D.S

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