In The Unlikely Event: An Likely Review
I think in starting this rundown, that it's fair to state my assumptions and expectations. Firstly, i'm writing this from the viewpoint of a fan. Next, while listening to this, i have the expectation to be dazzled by the same heroic, soaring guitar riffs and hardcore melodies that made Doppelgänger such an amazing work. A little background about my taste in music... it ranges anywhere from The Cool Kids, to The Mars Volta, to Minus the Bear, to Miles Davis, to d&b magicians London Elektricity. So, that said, let's get to the thoughts.
The first time through the album, the most stand-out aspect was pace. The pace is off of classic Fall of Troy. By slowing it down, it's lost them a bit of their hardcore appeal. But(!), it took me listening to the whole album to sense the slower overall pace, so i'm getting ahead of myself. Panic Attack! followed by the wraith-like Straight-Jacket Keelhauled make for an excellent opening to the album. The album bounds between a few different "musical emotions" as i have begun to call them in my head. There's an undeniable pop-like feel to a few tracks, but these tracks are done tastefully. There is also a melodic, bluesy overtone to tracks like Webs, and Nobody's Perfect. "Classic Fall" is an emotion that i would tie to tracks like Walk of Fame and Straight-Jacket; where their arrangements of rhythms and chord progression get my blood racing. To this end, i was a pretty shocked at the almost complete lack of complex time signatures that used to add so much depth to their total feel as a "math-core" title-bearer. Hm...are they resting on their creative laurels? I'd hope not. Phantom created a lot of hopes and expectations for their full studio release, and it's my opinion that they delivered a stout 85% of what that album promised.
The guitar work IS there. But it's slowed down, it's chilled over a few cubes of prudence.
The screaming is nearly gone. This a tough pill to swallow. Erak can sing well enough, but he screams incredibly well--to the point of greatness. That has been largely left by the wayside, as he's been encouraged to vocalize more. I would like to hear his singing as more of a "palette cleanser" between a bunch of screaming.
Thomas, if you're reading this, scream.
Ultimately i don't feel the sense of awe that hooked me into their self-titled EP or Doppelgänger.. With this offering they are on the innovative level of Manipulator, which works just fine, but if you're a dedicated listener, don't expect the dark and epic action found in Macaulay McCulkin here, or Last March of the Ents. The guitar work IS there. But it's slowed down, it's chilled over a few cubes of prudence.
On a purely musical basis, i can wholeheartedly recommend this album. It's got some elements and melodies that casual and nit-picky listeners alike will love. While it's a very solid offering, Fall of Troy fans may not love the new direction.
Disclaimer: I'm obviously not a professional reviewer or even a very good writer.. i'm just a big fan of Fall and wanted my opinion out there for someone to agree/disagree with. Happy Listening
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The first time through the album, the most stand-out aspect was pace. The pace is off of classic Fall of Troy. By slowing it down, it's lost them a bit of their hardcore appeal. But(!), it took me listening to the whole album to sense the slower overall pace, so i'm getting ahead of myself. Panic Attack! followed by the wraith-like Straight-Jacket Keelhauled make for an excellent opening to the album. The album bounds between a few different "musical emotions" as i have begun to call them in my head. There's an undeniable pop-like feel to a few tracks, but these tracks are done tastefully. There is also a melodic, bluesy overtone to tracks like Webs, and Nobody's Perfect. "Classic Fall" is an emotion that i would tie to tracks like Walk of Fame and Straight-Jacket; where their arrangements of rhythms and chord progression get my blood racing. To this end, i was a pretty shocked at the almost complete lack of complex time signatures that used to add so much depth to their total feel as a "math-core" title-bearer. Hm...are they resting on their creative laurels? I'd hope not. Phantom created a lot of hopes and expectations for their full studio release, and it's my opinion that they delivered a stout 85% of what that album promised.
The guitar work IS there. But it's slowed down, it's chilled over a few cubes of prudence.
The screaming is nearly gone. This a tough pill to swallow. Erak can sing well enough, but he screams incredibly well--to the point of greatness. That has been largely left by the wayside, as he's been encouraged to vocalize more. I would like to hear his singing as more of a "palette cleanser" between a bunch of screaming.
Thomas, if you're reading this, scream.
Ultimately i don't feel the sense of awe that hooked me into their self-titled EP or Doppelgänger.. With this offering they are on the innovative level of Manipulator, which works just fine, but if you're a dedicated listener, don't expect the dark and epic action found in Macaulay McCulkin here, or Last March of the Ents. The guitar work IS there. But it's slowed down, it's chilled over a few cubes of prudence.
On a purely musical basis, i can wholeheartedly recommend this album. It's got some elements and melodies that casual and nit-picky listeners alike will love. While it's a very solid offering, Fall of Troy fans may not love the new direction.
Disclaimer: I'm obviously not a professional reviewer or even a very good writer.. i'm just a big fan of Fall and wanted my opinion out there for someone to agree/disagree with. Happy Listening
Labels: Album, Fall of Troy, Hardcore, In the Unlikely Event, Mathcore, Music
posted by Optikal at 8:04 PM
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