LAVISHER : "Aligned & Vital"

 

This band from Chicago follows similar sonic footsteps to post-hardcore pioneers Failure. There is more emphasis on the vocals and harmonies. So much so that it brightens things up because they are more hopeful than depressive. "Premptive Waltz" has a little more swagger to it. It kind of makes me think of Kings X. There is a burly bass tone that is overdrive better spent on guitars. If you think back to bands like Hum and Failure, they had killer guitar tones. The lighter touch of "Sultry" feels more authentic. I like the Stone Temple Pilots-like guitar hue that is thrown into this one. I think they are talented players who are punching above their weight class and need more guitar heft. Let's see if this rings true for the rest of the album. 

"Anicents" kind breezes by without riffs, carrying enough balls to anchor it. They tense up and dig into heavier stomps for "Way Too Much," which feels like a darker Foo Fighters. "Topped & Tailed" has a more atmospheric indie rock vibe that gradually becomes more grunge as it progresses.  "Charmer" finds the nuanced guitar parts again, helping them out. This is their second album, so they should have a good idea of what they are doing. The vocals on this one don't do wonders for the song. There is a cool jammy section in it. It should be no surprise that the song called "Gritty" would be heavier. Like a heavier Foo-Fighters. 

"Howl" is more of a ballad, which is fine as it feels more true to who they are. The melody flows better here. When they do step on the overdrive, it makes sense and is not just a formula. The title track also gives the vocals room to breathe. They bring hints of jazz, which is the more progressive energy I think they need to tap into with "Detached." The last song did not really grab me, but I will give this album an 8, as they are great musicians still trying to find who they are as songwriters, but hit more than not. 

pst512