Review Summary: Float like a butterfly, sting like an angry, angry bee.
The first seven or so minutes of
Ultraviolet are a little bit deceiving. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t really have much going for it either, and by the end of the second track I questioned if I wanted to keep going. It seemed to me that Charlie Rolfe’s vocal performance would be the only thing that would carry me through the entirety of the album and I didn’t know if I had the patience to sit through an entire record with that mindset.
In the end though, my curiosity prevailed and I’m glad it did. No matter how much I tried to figure out ways to mentally deride the record,
Ultraviolet was, plain and simple, a good time.
The album builds like a rolling wave, with each song progressively building on the next until hitting about two-thirds of the way through, at which point the crest reaches its peak and aggressively crashes down before fading away back into the tide. This approach to building the album is a bit of a double-edged sword, in that the album lacks an opening that really hooks the listener, but reversely rewards those who keep moving through that opening haze.
The songwriting emphasizes simplicity. Technical flexing and unconventional structures are substituted for crisp, groove-oriented arrangements that deliver exactly what they’re trying to do. There is nothing entirely special about the instrumental performances and yet, that’s what makes them special. Each track is brimming with energy and many of the riffs and breakdowns are infectiously fun, harnessing the sort of vibe that makes you want to bob your head or, better yet, get down and dirty in the pit.
Furthermore, this songwriting approach gives room to Rolfe, and allows her to drive the show forward with her vocals. Her voice is unquestionably the highlight of the record, transitioning from soaring cleans to enraged screams. The vocal acrobatics on the record are not only admirable but are sometimes downright stunning and is the main ingredient that creates emotional response. The vocals range from haunting to airy to infuriated, all seemingly without effort.
A major gripe is that while the band does occasionally take risks and attempt to create unhinged moments, I personally wish there were a few more flourishes and that the band took a few more chances with their songwriting. The album is aggressive, energetic, and certainly enjoyable, but it is also safe. There are so many moments where with just a little bit of extra moxie, the album could have been something truly special, and even though it doesn’t really detract from the album’s quality, that little missing ingredient holds it back.
Nonetheless,
Ultraviolet is a fun record and a rewarding experience to those who get through the first couple of tracks and really sink their teeth into it. The best part is that it isn’t really trying to be anything more than what it is, and that honest approach is not only admirable, but also makes for a great ride.
