For some reason I never checked this band out, even though they always had a spot on my to check list. After several years they got lower and lower on that list. CVLT, their new album after six years of silence and nine years after their debut album catapulted them to the top of my list. Could they win me over?
Hell yes, they could! I can not believe it took me so long to finally give them a shot now that I finally took to give their records a spin. First thing I found out: their absence did not make them reconsider their sound. They remain consistent. In their case that means mixing modern pop punk like The Menzingers or The Flatliners with a dash of later Hot Water Music influences. The first mentioned influence is pretty much in your face. If those two names mean anything to you, this is a band you should give this band a shot. The influence of the latter displays itself in the vocals that remind me of Chuck Ragan at times. It also shines through in the riffing and melodies, like in “I will Never Die” which I can imagine as being one of the high paced songs on one of the last three records.
The production is crystal clear, yet a tad loud. It is a fitting production for a modern punk rock album, in fact it fits that style to a T. With a good production in place, what makes this record stand out? That’s an easy answer. It is their songwriting skills. These songs are true ear-worms. Some are memorable after just one spin (“Circles” is a prime example), others will refuse to leave your head after having heard them two or three times more (“Restless Minds” is one of those).
To complete the package the band chose some amazing artwork. It’s pretty and instantly recognizable. Just the artwork an amazing album like this deserves. This album is gonna sit high in my year end list for sure. It sure has had enough playtime already to earn that spot. Do yourself a favor and check them out!
PS: if you use bandcamp, check the amazing deal they offer for their whole discography. Believe me, it is worth it.
