Review Summary: Characterised by the 'synth'esis of classic hardcore and piano/keys, House vs. Hurricane have skilfully crafted an atmospheric composition both unique and underrated
Following their 2008 EP release 'Forfeiture', House vs. Hurricane have really matured with their approach to their 2010 full length album 'Perspectives'. The intricate and complex use of layering consistent throughout 'Perspectives' is remarkable. The album achieves the desired heaviness of a hardcore band whilst presenting a sound totally new and special, enabling House vs. Hurricane to stand out in the heavily populated hardcore genre.
House vs. Hurricane is characterised for its use of keys and piano used in equal combination with the remainder of the band. The aura created by the keys and electronics transcends the classic hardcore sound. The keys take a more active role seen at 2:25 'Experiences' and 2:15 'Positively Shifted' while for the majority of the album they are passive, creating ambiance.
The keys often run along side the guitars, seen in the intro to 'We, the Reserveless'. However, the focus alters regularly where the guitars may be traditionally 'chugging' away while keys take centre stage. Whereas the keys can take a back seat and the intricacy of the guitars are allowed to shine. This layering is both impressive and often peaceful, as the album takes time to breathe throughout the numerous interludes, demonstrated in 'So they Say' and 'II. Softlight'. This is reflective of the bands skilful and innovative musicianship and song writing abilities.
Furthermore, Dicker's screams whilst monotonous in comparison to 'Forfeiture' create a consistency and reflect the band's maturity. This is key to the complex layering, focusing the variability and diversity on the keys and guitars whilst still dominating the majority of the entire sound. McLerie's clean vocals are also well executed, (live as well) and typically are the climatic points of the album (4:40 ‘So They Say’). However, more memorable clean vocal parts can be found in ‘Forfeiture’.
Lyrically, the album continues to maintain its excellence, providing yet another layer of detail and interest. The lyrics (by Dicker and McLerie) philosophically focus on the power of the "mind" and our inner selves and the album revolves around the idea that “your life depends purely on the way you look at it” (CD Booklet), hence ‘Perspectives’. “Vocalist Christopher Dicker is clearly a thoughtful dude” (Matt Joyce, TheVine Reviews). Additionally, the album challenges various aspects of society and our past in a means to make change and move towards and more hopeful future. However, there is still enough ambiguity within the lyrics for personal interpretation and meaning.
“So I refuse to be included / rather simply choose to elude it / it seems I’m failing to connect / with a system fundamentally and morally defect”
The most obvious retention to classic hardcore is Osborne’s drumming, whilst well executed with a number of memorable parts; the focus of the album is definitely on the guitars, keys and vocals. Furthermore, the album also demonstrates a number of breakdowns, however in this respect House vs. Hurricane are reserved and perhaps hold back. Whilst this may leave some unsatisfied it enables the album to retain its consistency, incorporating the breakdown with the song rather than isolating it, as a separate ‘breakdown section’.
Additionally, the composition of the songs and the album as a whole is both diverse and unconventional. 'Perspectives' should be listened to as an entire album. Each song continues on the next naturally, rather than a collation of singles. Most noticeably this is displayed in the intertwined three part finish of I. Sinister, In Many Forms, II. Softlight and III. Nevermore.
An important point to make about this album is that it grows on you with every listen. There is much to explore in this album, either through reflecting on the ideas being conveyed or simply enjoying the ambiance. I would suggest listening to ‘Forfeiture’ before ‘Perspectives’ as an introduction and also to fully appreciate the progression of this work.
Finally, House vs. Hurricane have produced an intricately layered body of work that has an untold depth and consequent exploration. This is truly a special and unique album. It's no surprise that House vs. Hurricane are a leading member of the trance-core genre.
Members:
Christopher Dicker – Vocals
Ryan Mclerie – Guitar, Vocals
Joey Fragione – Keyboard, piano
Christopher Shaw – Guitar
Sam Osborne – Drum, Percussion
Dylan Stark - Bass
