Artistic license can be manifested in many different ways. The poetic putting together of modern art for example or the manifestation of prose. Nevertheless there is a fine line between true artistic flair and pretentious flattery. Walking this metaphorical line with boundless creativity we see one of the year’s most intriguing band’s, Agent Fresco release their brand new album Destrier. Merely a snapshot of the creative genius the band are capable of.
[tracklist]
1. Let Them See Us
2. Dark Water
3. Pyre
4. Destrier
5. Wait For Me
6. Howls
7. The Autumn Red
8. Citadel
9. See Hell
10. Let Fall The Curtain
11. Bemoan
12. Angst
13. Death Rattle
14. Mono No Aware
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]50:00[/length]
[record_label]Long Branch Records[/record_label]
[release_date]August 7th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
The dissonant introduction of “Let Them See Us” is our curtain up of Agent Fresco‘s latest offering. Loosely being a concept album, the band tackle the incredibly daunting and fairly abstract subject of emotion. With much of the albums lyrical content taken from singer Arnor’s personal experience when he was part of an altercation.
Our overture finished, we’re moved into the beautiful yet morose sounds of “Dark Water” where we first see the sounds of Agent Fresco peeking their head out. Through almost playful use of distorted guitars the beautiful use of piano to create a lasting melody. Though neither of these are a match for Arnor’s truly haunting vocals. Often thrown around in the world of reviews the word Haunting truly has a residency here. Employing a sense of familiarity in the delivery as though a friend of the deepest relation was letting their boundaries come down.
An incredibly honest, raw and truthfully vulnerable portrayal of vocals. It’s not just the intriguing use of singing however, employing artificial harmonics as our compare for “Pyre” before giving way to more distortion. Complemented perfectly by the angelic delivery of Arnson. Not strictly being metal there are many elements that lend themselves to indie, yet their progressive song writing is unmistakable. Agent Fresco still retain their sense of humble identity.
The more uplifting “Howls” shows us the more playful aspect of Agent Fresco with a chorus section that embodies the feeling of joy. Working together with the instruments Arnson’s beautiful voice transcends the common musicality. Making way for the moodier “The Autumn Red” with the classic Indie style neck heavy guitar tone.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Destrier is it’s sense of purpose. Each song being a perfect snapshot individually,yet coalescing to become a beautiful exhibition of emotion. Ranging from sadness, joy, anger, Destrier has contrast in spades. From the flurry of piano on title track, to the offbeat riffing. “Wait For Me” yet another example of simplicity the band employ with a piano section reminiscent of the classic Aphex Twin “Avril 16th“, heart warmingly beautiful.
That’s not to say that the band don’t pack a punch, “See Hell” showcases an almost tech style of approach. Without the electronic sounding guitars and instead a more organic and earthy tone, mixed of course with Arnor’s beautiful vocals, the Muse influenced “Angst” would be where the band dip their toes into more aggressive territory, though it only lasts one and a half minutes, the sense of contrast brought about within the track makes for a stark definition.
Individually, words mean nothing. Yet combined they can create a world of opportunities of meanings. With Destrier, Agent Fresco have created fourteen words that are malleable to be moulded into a beautiful sentence that is readable in any language. Grief, joy, sadness, anger an absolutely beautiful, modest example of art.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]One of the most exciting band’s to emerge from not only the Metal scene but the music scene itself, it would be a crying shame if you missed out on this album, despite not being strictly Metal.[/why]
