As originality appears to be more and more of a mirage in today’s world, the art of the unconventional breeds difference. Having only been around for eleven years, a mere footnote in the life of a band particularly of a progressive nature, Intronaut release their brand new album. Opting for a different style to their previous record,the new offering shows another side of Intronaut that has lay dormant for sometime now. Deciding to awaken their primal States the band have tapped into heavier aspects without compromising the progressive nature of the band itself.
[tracklist]
1. Fast Worms
2. Digital Gerrymandering
3. The Pleasant Surprise
4. The Unlikely Event Of A Water Landing
5. Sul Ponticello
6. The Direction Of Last Things
7. City Hymnal
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]44:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media Records[/record_label]
[release_date]November 13th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Contrary to their previous release Habitual Levitations which saw more of a slow burn the band opt for a more energetic performance with first track “Fast Worms“. With the more avant garde techniques adopted pushed slightly back the band bring their more Metal sound to the forefront. Working excellently with the beautifully sung vocals the instrumentation is masterful. Leaving oscillation between sections of almost free form jazz to return to the bands chorus with ease. Nevertheless tracks like “Digital Gerrymandering” ensure that the bandhaven’t lost their heavier roots. Dissonant chord arrangements give way to a heavy sound rekindled on the record.
That’s not to say there aren’t some odd surprises along the way, case in point “The Pleasant Surprise” see’s a low pitched slowed down sound of someone eating, as with the sample of what I can only think to be a homeless woman later in the record. Perhaps not exactly instrumental in the understanding of the album these small snippets retain the sense of eccentric mannerisms. Nevertheless these are just the trimmings, the meat and the potatoes of the record form some of the band’s best work. Worming its way through the listeners aural psyche makes you question the journey each time. Often leaving the listener mesmerised by the records sound leading to be completely swept away, yet taking nothing away from each listen being just as intriguing as the last.
Opting to have each member record simultaneously encapsulates the sense of a live performance. Particularly when the band change pace in “Sul Ponticello“, giving the record a more bilogical sense contrary to most in the era of digital totality. The understanding of how this band operate fascinates, giving the various sections a larger sense of purpose. Particularly when the band decide to shift between heavier elements and the more refined sections.
The near horror sounding introduction of “The Unlikely Event Of A Waterlanding” brings the sense of unease with the aforementioned woman in a distorted voice with music played backwards. Bringing a sense of unease after being dispelled by the delicate guitar. The Direction of Last Things is Intronaut working at their best. A fantastic compromise of songs, with almost each track over the seven minute mark whilst being it’s own entity completely. Yet through clever songwriting aids the sense of fluidity throughout the album. Harmonising both elements of a more aggressive nature to contrast with the lighter aerial clean sections the band can decide to gently caress the listener or immediately bring them back to a grounded riff that centres the song. Understanding exactly what Intronaut stand for, where they are but most importantly where they want to take the listener. If this might be the last direction then it’s definitely the right one.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Intronaut have never been one for shying away from originality and The Direction Of Last Things is no exception. Assimilating all facets of the band, yet another groundbreaking new release that encapsulates the band’s refreshing dynamic.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new record here!
