In some ways, this comes closer to radio rock than what I am normally into, but the anthemic choruses are balanced by the brooding atmosphere that is dark enough to keep me interested, despite the more hopeful mood they build. It is funny I can say this as they are singing about never breathing again, but we like it pretty fucking dark around here. This young Canadian trio is great songwriters who sometimes find their overall sound having a uniform feel by the third song as they are working off a formula, even if it is effective.
They break things up by getting heavier for "VHS". There is a late 90s nu-metal vibe, without any of the Adidas attitude. One of the band's strengths that helps set them apart is the ability of their guitar and bassist to harmonize their voices. The slick production of this album, not hype this fact with overproduction, but brings this out in a spacious, crystal clear manner. "Aurora" has a more rock bounce in its step, with radio-friendly 90s metal in its veins, but less about the Slipknot life than, say, Kittie. Quinn picks melodies that further distance themselves from nu-metal, in fact, provide a dynamic contrast to the guitar riffs.
"Obliette" is a little more middle of the road, though it does have a guitar solo, which I was not expecting, so these kids have more chops than they let you see on the front end. There is a pretty crushing riff for the last few measures. The last song is a ballad that finds a piano line flowing through it. I will give this one a 9.5, and see how it grows on me, but I think they did a stellar job of making the album they set out to make, the question will this kind of music grow more endearing to me over time or will I forget it about it by the end of the year? If you are into female vocals layered over melodic hard-edged rock, then this is worth your time.
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