Review Summary: Death to all mankind
Ai640 is a Trilogy of EPs about a Robot named (obviously) ‘Ai640’ who escapes from the lab that it was made in and discovers how truly disgusting mankind is and comes to the only sensible conclusion to save the planet – To destroy them all.
Landon Tewers is quite the divisive figure in the ever changing ‘Metalcore Scene’ it would seem. He comes across as quite the cocky individual and his lyrics always seem to border on inappropriate (She Thinks of Me) and smug (Don’t You) but one thing cannot be denied, Landon has an immeasurable amount of talent when it comes to music and has the ability to pass through any genre and do it well.
For those familiar with Landon you would know that his Solo catalogue is filled with all different types of styles and genres. Not having the restraints of a ‘band’ really allows him to write and perform whatever it is he pleases and to me, he rarely misses the mark.
Ai640 is the heaviest that Landon has touched. The earlier ‘The Plot in You’ releases were heavy and confrontational in its lyrical content but this Trilogy dives deeper and Landon really showcases not only his incredible vocals, but also his very solid guitar work. The guitar work peaks for me in ‘Destroy’ which has some sweet riffing throughout especially around the 50 second mark, tell me that riffing isn’t sweet and glorious!
Now, the defining aspect of this EP is the Vocals. Landon has a fantastic voice (IMO) when he sings it is truly breathtaking and his soulful cleans are absolutely beautiful to listen to. But you won’t find that here. What you get here is a constant attack of Brutal highs, punishing Mids and outstanding lows (Shout-out to his guest spot on the new Amity album for those LOWS). Listen to ‘Assemble’ and you will hear the variance and just how much control he has over his voice.
Lyrically, the album sets up the trilogy perfectly:
ESCAPE – Ai640 finally escapes from its captivity
ASSEMBLE – Ai640 slowly begins to realize that Humanity is disgusting.
DEBATE – Ai640 concluding on what needs to be done
DESTROY – Ai640 begins doing what it needs to do.
The opening lyrics to Destroy are damn fantastic (in context):
Burn every body in this city
Leave no limbs left to show
I know it's hard to watch them suffer
But every soul has to go
Don't feel anything for anyone
They had their chance
And now it's time to do what must be done
At four tracks long the EP is a great little listen and really leaves you wanting more, and luckily, we have that. Part II and Part III coming soon.
