Statues - "Black Arcs Rising'

 

Here is a band that resurrects a sound from the 90s. Not the sounds that comes to mind when you think of a band from Sweden. Closer to punk than say Sonic Youth, whose weird post-punk riffage might have inspired these guys, it is just  delivered with more energy. The vocals are more prominent and delivered with punk gusto. The drummer might be the most into punk, as he is really driving the songs hard. The vocals are declared in a bold spoken manner, that is not yelling, but struggling to be actually sung. A different take the more indifferent croon that characterized the original wave of these bands. 

 I think the formula works better on the first song than the second. They did capture the warm organic ring of the guitars from that era, the challenge is now do they care more about this sound or the songs? The third song does not answer this question. It works off the same elements delivered on the first two songs. The lyrics are clearly spit out. I think a little more atmosphere and introspective mood, is needed for it to connect with me in a meaningful manner. The more pleasant upbeat punk melodies of 'Agony" have more hook to them and answer the question with a yes, that they can in fact write songs.  "Phantasm" has a little more of a punk feel to it.

They proves themselves capable of digging up a more melodic amble for "Eyes in the Sky". The vocals are almost more sung. The album needs more of this to break things up. "Hiding in a Hole" is another return to punk, which is not their strongest side. I think if they leaned more in the direction of the early indie rock sounds things might be more interesting than just bashing put more punk  music."Epochcalypse" head in a little more angular and unique direction.  "Perfect Storm" is catchier proving they are capable of embracing punk influence and writing good songs. There is more of darker post-punk feel to the last song that proves to be a worthy number to end the album with. I will give this album an 8, it is cool for what it is, though they could dial the punk down a bit. But if you are punk the punk side from this era of 90s you will dig this for sure.