This trio's sound has continued to evolve, as it does not place them somewhere between the shoe gazing side of post-hardcore and sludge. The latter is felt in the ominous punches that muscle through the more surreal tension being built. On "the Alchemist" you can hear how this album benefits from more fine-tuned production that allows for experimentation to pay off with the electronic sound dialed into the drums. The mix helps place each instrument where it needs it be to make the most of it's sound. This is even more noticeable when the dynamics shift with the more atmospheric verses of "Sunset Burial". There is the loud to soft alt-rock dynamic of the 90s coloring the sound, but it's very effective.
The comparison to bands like Failure becomes more pronounced on "Algorithmic" . Fuzzed-out guitars provide the needed heft to balance out the introspective melodies. "False Gods" has a little more of a straight-up rock feel to it. Though beefy sonics of the guitars give a heftier edge. The sax that wails out into the song is a nice touch., that compliments the guitars. I dig the odd-time groove that moves "Repeat the Silence". The vocals coast over it smoothly. Ballad in the Mirror" works off the stomp of guitars, as the vocals are a softer texture to provide calm in this storm. I can hear how fans of the Deftones might also appreciate these guys.
There is a thicker woozy shoe gaze ambiance hanging over "Crawling Toward the Light" . The ring of its melody falls somewhere between the Cure and My Bloody Valentine, before things explode with a more yelled vocal. The title track that closes the album, is an odd choice it is an almost Elliot Smith-like ballad that is fragile until the other instruments converge up on it in the final minutes. It is the only moment on the album that did not grab me upon first listen, but I will still round this album up to a 10 as it gets better with each listen, and the shadows of its mood seep into your head.
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