Review Summary: Rishloo have created an album worth of classic status, it is beautifully layered and complex and will take the listener on a musical journey they wont soon forget.
I couldn't justify writing a quick summary review for such a diverse and layered album, so i have written a track by track review to give you a good taste of what to expect.
Scissorlips:
The album starts off in a dark place, dissonant sounds and wailing guitar set the mood. If you like music with atmosphere, then Scissorlips is sure to please. There is a strong sense of desperation and hopelessness throughout, which carries on until the final moments of the song when Drew exclaims "Who wouldn't want to disappear? But i'm still here" giving us a small glimpse of hope.
Turning Sheep Into Goats:
This song is like being inside the head of a schizophrenic, changing moods multiple times within it's 4 minute running time. Beautifully spacey verses contrasted by an abrasive and chilling refrain that hits you like a heard of flaming sheep (sorry, had to do it). TSIG blends seamlessly into the next song...
Systematomatic:
This is a very complex song, with multiple time signatures and tempos and some very impressive drumming from Jesse. It's impossible to tell what will come next, this track's as sporadic as they come, which only makes for a more interesting listening experience.
River of Glass:
After an eery minute long intro the track explodes into the most rocky verse of the album so far, with a powerful vocal performance from Andrew, leading into a refrain that will likely throw you for a second, i have no idea what is going on with the timing here, but it is brilliant. Rishloo continue the brilliance throughout a lengthy bridge section with plenty of beautiful vocal lines and ambient guitar work before returning to that time shattering refrain one last time.
Keyhole In The Sky:
Easily the softest track on the album, and possibly the most peaceful and calming song Rishloo have ever written. This was probably the most difficult song to get into at first, as there are no real hooks or catchy parts. The song didn't really start sinking in until about my 5th listen but when it did, it was an amazing experience. This song is best listened to on a good set of headphones, in dead silence, so you can experience all the subtle intricacies.
Downhill:
The definition of an epic, at roughly 8 minutes, Downhill is testament to Rishloo's ability to create complicated and interesting music without ever feeling pretentious. The rhythm section takes the backseat throughout, leaving room for Drew's unfaltering vocals and some of the most impressive guitar work heard from the band as of yet. I have always enjoyed Dave's playing, though in the past it seemed to exist as a vessel to carry the vocals, here it shines through and leaves you wondering why he has held back all this time. The answer is simple, he plays for the song, not to show off. The song progresses and builds up to a climactic ending that is sure to send shivers up your spine.
Feathergun In The Garden Of The Sun:
The stand out track for me currently, also Feathergun's heaviest. This song is very prog-metal and it is awesome, there are even some Opeth-esque moments to be enjoyed here. I think this is a good time to talk about the distortion tones Rishloo have achieved on the album, they are a thousand times better than anything from Eidolon or Terras Fames. One of the only let downs i experienced with Eidolon were how tinny the distorted guitars sounded, especially on headphones. Feathergun has remedied this issue with amazing results, the guitars sound full and are some of the nicest distorted tones i have heard in a while. Great song, Great sound.
Dreamcatcher:
A nice ambient interlude that gives the listener time to rest before the albums final stretch.
Diamond Eyes:
Possibly the most accessible song on the album, but still one of my favourites nonetheless. There is just so much to love here, from the dreamy verses to the soaring chorus. Andrew's lyrics are beautiful and speak to me on many levels. The song has a strong message of optimism and hope, a far cry from album opener Scissorlips. It gives you the feeling that no matter how bad things get, there is always a chance to right your wrongs.
Katsushika:
The verse is very much Rishloo, but this soon makes way for a pre-chorus, that for me recalls The Beatles of all things. The lyrics here are some of the best on the album, they conjure dream like images, my favourite line being "Let's go, have you stepped to the edge? Stared into the sea from the foot of your bed?". Vocals are clearly the focus of Katsushika, and they do not disappoint, the ending is incredible, with Drew's high pitched wails bringing the song to a beautifully terrifying close.
Weevil Bride:
This is a builder, starts off slow and builds until the band just let everything out and go absolutely nuts. There is a lot going on in this song and it will take multiple listens to really get the feel for it. It is full of energy and is a great way to end an amazing album.
Closing Comments:
If you hadn't already guessed, i am a huge fan of this album, it blew my expectations right out of the water and if i had to, i would have paid ten times the amount i paid for it.
If you consider yourself a fan of music, go and buy this album. There is something for here for people of all different tastes and preferences. The band need and most of all deserve the support.
