Pennsylvania metalcore group steps up game after creative rut
Sometimes, it can be painful to witness a band with tons of potential fail to execute anything well. Whether it’s a group of talented musicians that just don’t click or a bunch of great songwriters who can’t play their instruments, it’s a common scenario in the music world.
Masen Matthews
One of the most notable bands to fall in that creative rut in past years is Texas In July. Earlier albums were packed with lackluster, chug-laden metalcore tracks that did nothing to stand out. In fact, half of their songs sounded random shred riffs and lightning-fast drumbeats that didn’t do anything original.
Fast-forward seven years since Texas In July’s formation, and listeners are placed in 2014 directly following the release of their most recent affair, “Bloodwork.” Luckily, it seems that the band has finally gotten something right and we have been left with one of the best metal albums to drop this year.
“Bloodwork” kicks off with the opener “Broken Soul,” which features a super fast guitar riff paired with a driving rhythm section that creates a fantastic atmosphere to the track. As cool as this song is, the two tracks after it really epitomize why this new album is so great. Vocalist J.T. Cavey is on top of his game, jumping from a gritty mid-range scream into guttural lows that make people wonder how one human has so much lung capacity. Track two, “Sweetest Poison,” features a rock-solid clean chorus, which demonstrates that Cavey has even more tricks up his sleeve than straight screams.
Lyrically, the album isn’t too shabby either. This is a welcome change to the world of metalcore where a lot of bands still feel the need to write songs about hating their ex-girlfriends and getting beaten up in high school.
While vocals throughout the entire album may be rock solid, they don’t necessarily steal the show from the other band members either. Drummer Adam Gray serves as a killer backbone to Texas In July’s tight new sound, and he pushes songs forward with double-bass onslaughts and technical fills.
Need some proof? Check out the mid-section of the track “Decamili.” It features an awesome drum solo, which is a rare occurrence in a lot of heavy music today. Guitar work is stellar as well, especially in the aforementioned track “Decamili” and in the songs “Psuedo Self” and “Bloodwork.” Riffs are creative and fast-paced, but take a sideline when necessary as well.
One other notable feature of the “Bloodwork” album is the production. Muddy drums, overproduced vocals or a generally poor mix of the two plagues many heavy albums today.
This is certainly not the case for “Bloodwork.” Guitar tracks sound crushing and crisp, and the drums sound menacing and boomy. Like many other metal albums, bass isn’t too audible but it can still be heard in certain sections despite being somewhat subtle.
It’s fantastic to see Texas In July pull their act together, and “Bloodwork” is sure to make a ton of year-end lists for the best albums that have come out during 2014. Regardless of preconceived opinions, give this album a shot and let the aural assault win you over. Fans of groups like August Burns Red, Erra and Born of Osiris will be right at home here.
Masen Matthews can be reached at [email protected]