Review Summary: Invent, Animate is a 5 piece metalcore band hailing from Neches, Texas. Waves, their debut ep, stands to show that there may yet be hope for metalcore.
Invent, Animate is a 5 piece metalcore band hailing from Neches, Texas. Waves, their debut ep, stands to show that there may yet be hope for metalcore. Invent, Animate uses technical and progressive aspects and influences to keep their music from going stale. The two guitarists compliment each others melodies and individual styles very well and this feel of cohesion allows for a genuinely unique sound. The drummer lays down the foundation for each song and uses intricate fills and chaotic blast beats to add to the overall fluidity of the music, but sometimes fades into the background when the guitar leads become more pronounced.
Some listeners may find the vocals a little too amateur for their liking, but I personally feel that the raw vocals help to add genuine emotion to Invent, Animate's sound. The vocalist has a good range and shows it by frequently switching between powerful highs, heavy hitting growls, and angry mids. Cleans are scattered throughout the ep in a few of the songs, but they aren't too prevalent and they usually signify the calm before the storm. A lot of listeners will be pleased to hear that, aside from on a couple of tracks, Invent, Animate proves that they don't need to rely on breakdowns and constant chugging to maintain a heavy sound.
The best aspect of the ep is the bands affinity for creating and sustaining an impressive atmosphere throughout the six tracks, although the one instrumental song Abyss does fall short on being anything more than a one minute and twelve second bridge between two songs, the rest of the album uses well placed synth and harmonies, intricate melodies, and emotional vocals to promote an impressive coexistence between harmony and disarray. Invent, Animate shows that although they still need progression in a few areas, they are a band to keep an eye on and if their new singles are anything to go by they are headed in the right direction.
