Review Summary: Not a perfect record but one that most Starset fans will have something to enjoy
Even though 2014’s ‘Transmissions’ and 2017’s ‘Vessels’ left a great impression on them as a band capable of putting out records of a certain level of quality, the announcement of Divisions earlier this year came with interest in how they’d evolve their sound and both wariness of what it’d consist of.
Released in early April of this year was frontman Dustin Bates’ side project ‘MNQN’, holding a similar sense of technological themes in the concept. My worries for the latest Starset record stemmed from this, for the most part. It’s lighter and more surreal way of presenting its ideas coupled with it being electronic in contrast to a blend with instruments gave way to concerns on the production and direction of the record; adding to it was how little time came between Mnqn and Divisions and if this new release would feel rushed.
However with the release of the first single ‘MANIFEST’ and later ‘WHERE THE SKIES END’ it seemed like it was shaping up to be a fantastic record and very much in the realm of Starset’s style.
Manifest, a standout track, carried a carefully constructed balance of both heaviness and playfulness in the verses and choruses with an organic vocal style in comparison to the previous record.
DIVING BELL, the third track to be released shared the intention of a more organic direction. With soaring vocals Dustin sang his heart out about self isolation, depression and psychological burdens crashing down in an attempt of landing.
Another standout track is TELEKINETIC, the comparison to Vessel’s own heavy track Bringing it down is easy to understand but are in fact quite distinct songs. Telekinetic off the bat doesn’t seem very heavy but instead leads into its throat exhausting growls with a catchy chorus and more relaxed and moody verses.
TRIALS, in the overall soundscape of the record is peculiar; it stands out as a more traditional anthemic rock song with a vocal style not heard in Starset’s previous discography.
Divisions accomplishes two things excellently, feeling both new and original as well as incorporating elements from both their debut and sophomore albums. Tracks like SOLSTICE and TRIALS feel more akin to the former album just like how ECHO and PERFECT MACHINE reflect the latter. That’s not to say there aren’t fresh and original tracks, two examples of this are WAKING UP and DIVING BELL.
In general Divisions is less heavier than their previous work, any fans looking for that will find a couple songs fitting that bill but as a whole it leans towards the lighter side.
It’d be unfair to compare this to their previous album as both excel and have their flaws. While Vessels felt bigger in scale and power it came at the cost of certain tracks feeling similar even if those songs were excellent, Divisions on the other hand sees the band showing their range in terms of songwriting and crafting interesting instrumentals but certain songs didn’t stick as well as others in comparison.
