It is said that every seven years a mutation is set to occur within the human DNA system, chemical reactions have eventually led life to evolve developing different characteristics both genetic and physical to suit our habitat. Determined to find the answer surrounding humans and their genes Gregor Mendel, regarded as the father of genetics and the understanding of inheritance decreed certain characteristics are owing to genetical make up. Ever mutating cells create mass difference in genes which not only affect the organism’s inner physique but it’s outside appearance. Now just shy of seven years later a mutation has occurred in the genus of Textures.
[tracklist]
1. Oceans Collide
2. New Horizons
3. Shaping A Single Grain Of Sand
4. Illuminate The Trail
5. Meander
6. Erosion
7. The Fourth Prime
8. Zman
9. Timeless
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]44:00[/length]
[record_label]Nuclear Blast Records[/record_label]
[release_date]February 5th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Five years since their previously released material Dualism the band have at long last returned. Citing Pantera’s classic “Great Southern Trendkill” as influence for the jugular grabbing “Oceans Collide” the band begin their latest release in style. Complete with the hallmarks that the Dutch sextet are known for the track features polyrhythmic grooves, alternate picking assault courses but the most noticeable difference are the vocals. Fretboard acrobatics of “Erosion” focus more on a rhythmic identity than the later lead sections in the track where we see memorable melodies take to the stage.
With long time guitarist Jochem Jacobs having left the band, not only holding down the musical fort but handling the more crooning sections, the lack of backing vocals is noticeable hence why Phenotype features a rougher edge. “Shaping A Single Grain of Sand” sees vocalist Daniël de Jongh absolutely bellowing vocals take center stage particularly in the second section of the song where the rhythmic pulse throbs. Working fantastically the ebb and flow of softer screams allow for minute melody to infiltrate Textures’ often militant rhythmic sound. Aided in part by the subtle inclusion of keyboards at last working in tandem with the band “Illuminate The Trail” see’s the album’s thematic scientific questioning come to light. Being the longest track on the album the song fluctuates from all out battering to subtle lead sections culminating in a fantastic solo from new guitarist Joe Tal.
Briefly breaking away from the technology heavy sound we are introduced to a more tribal tonality in “Meander” our primitive interlude. Propelling forward through musical constraints of their sound sees the serene “Zman” act as yet another indigenous yet immediate instrumental introduction. Pregnant with urgency the futuristic sounds of piano shape the track into beautiful set piece, before a sleek transition positions us into “Timeless” these consecutive tracks are the album’s true jewel in the crown. Illustrating that yes, Textures might have bared their teeth taking an aggressive stance but the band’s insatiable creativity has not dimmed, seeing the band capitalise on this sense of scientific understanding of our origins.
Mendel may well indeed be known far and wide for his pioneering discoveries in science but after Phenotype, shortly to be followed by the band’s second Genotype, the band are in a class of their own. Much like our cells inside ourselves Textures have broken down exactly what the band consists of. Taking influence from their past works with Silhouettes to their previous album Dualism the Textures phenotype is ever changing proving that the band are adaptable and are confident to be able to challenge preconceptions breaking down musical boundaries once more.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Textures have once again returned to exemplary form. Embracing their past, present and future the band ooze limitless creativity evolving both musically and thematically to create a cinematic and utterly engaging experience. [/why]
Do you like the look of Textures’ new appearance? Then pick up Phenotype here!
