Review Summary: Signs of growth.
It Kindly Bent Around Me represents a large upgrade in the audio quality and musicianship that was previously demonstrated by LBTB on their demo and split ep. Over the course of three tracks the band showcases what it is that makes them unique - and that is their willingness to experiment with the tired and true black metal infused hardcore that has seen such a rise in popularity over the last two decades.
Apophenia, the most traditionally "metal" track of the three soars from the jump, featuring all of the trem picking and blast beats one could ask for. Things eventually mellow out and give way for rock influenced leads that serve to add a little variety to an otherwise lengthy portion of song.
Millenarian is the red herring of the bunch. The band veers into a more electronic centric sound, with processed clean vocals to match. A southern pastor shouts out about whatever you'd expect a southern pastor to shout about while elements of sound design weave in and out along side him.
Things are rounded out with Esplame, a return to guitar oriented music but still a bit of a curve. This song is a short post rock influenced jaunt and has a bit less vocal diversity than the prior two.
There's not a lot to say about a short release such as this - I'll be looking forward to the next sign of growth.
