Review Summary: Though the band finds new life in its politically charged lyrics, the repetitive nature of the music bogs down that message.
It’s been a long time since
Structures have been around. After bursting onto the metalcore scene with 2010’s
All of the Above , they made a name for themselves amongst the flood of copycats in the scene. The EP was blistering and permeated pure intensity. Though their debut album
Divided By was an overall drop in quality (in terms of songwriting and production), they seemed to still have that something. After 2014’s
Life Through a Window, Structures called it quits. Seven years later, three of the five members return with the aptly-titled EP,
None of the Above .
The band’s new outing is imbued with political angst. Exuding hardcore elements, “Planet of Garbage” delivers on the “in your face” nature of older
Structures with a twist. “6” (featuring Brendan Murphy of
Counterparts and
End fame) is a more straightforward djent-infused metalcore track you’d expect in 2021. Though it’s nothing earth shattering, the excellent production and overall intensity makes it the standout of the EP.
“Gone / Dead” is a quick nu-metal track with some electronic drum beats blending into their traditional sound. Though it’s not bad overall, it seems to imitate
Hacktivist in a semi-negative way. “Civilian” is another politically charged track that centers on the ongoing violence in the United States. The guest vocals from Michael Barr (from
Volumes ) add to that anger. I quite enjoy the lyrics, but the song seems too similar to “6”.
“Psycho Hours” focuses on addiction and how our healthcare system has profited on creating these addicts. It’s raw and sprinkles some groovy guitars reminiscing of old
Structures . The final track, “Fortune Fades”, turns the view on the control the media has on us. Bringing up their thirst for division, the song pushes on the notion that our media says we want love yet perpetuates hate.
Structures reemerges with an EP that says a lot, but doesn’t completely stick the landing. I like what they’re saying, but the music behind the words can get a bit muddled in its execution. Even with its relatively short 15 minute length, the songs do get repetitive even though the band does give the genre a bit of fresh air with their hardcore-infused lyrics and songwriting structure. Maybe the next full release will bring enough diversity in its sound to bring the message across more effectively.
