The Plot In You - Swan Song - Album Review

The Plot In You - Swan Song - Fearless Records

Track List:

1. Letters To A Dead Friend

2. Fall Again

3. Face Me

4. Too Far Gone

5. Paradigm

6. Both To Blame

7. Too Heavy

8. Enemy

9. Whole Without Me

10. Freed

When I spoke about Landon Tewers last (and before that, too), I reviewed his previous solo release, 'Frontal Lobe Submission.' I started the last couple of reviews by saying, "This is Landon Tewers, not The Plot In You." Now though, I finally came to the conclusion that there's no separation. Landon IS The Plot In You as much as he's a multidimensional solo artist. 

This is as evident as ever, even in the beginning of the journey through 'Swan Song,' the fifth full-length album from Landon and The Plot In You. The opening track, aptly titled 'Letters To A Dead Friend,' sounds, for the first minute and a half, or so, like Landon's solo material. Another track, further along in the album, sounds familiar to his side-project Ai640. And you begin to realize that he's able to blend so many genres/projects/styles into a seamless tapestry that is undeniably ahead of the curve. Ahead of the curve and ahead of any of the current trends stagnating certain bands in scene music.

The album is undeniably dark. As I mentioned previously, the first track's title should give that away. In tune with that, a deeper dive into the lyrics will strike a chord few have the ability to in modern music. As the down-tuned guitars build anticipation and the raspy screams begin, Landon's haunting confessions of sorrow and self-reflection mentally shred you. This is often the case in each new track of the album. Landon expresses so much passion in gutwrenching stories of loss, separation, relationships with others, and relationships with himself that it's tough not to look inward and evaluate your own past experiences. Each track holds a specific weight and significance.          

In contrast to the album's lyrics, the instrumentation paints with a broader stroke. Electronics are used in unique and exciting ways that won't become tiring, overplayed, or cringe-inducing. More pop-inclined tracks sound in contrast to their lyrical content at times but don't sound forced or contrived. And then there are the "heavier" tracks that showcase dynamic mixes of melodic and angst-ridden singing and screaming. If you want to hear some of the better passionate and heartfelt screams in the scene, you'll find a multitude in 'Swan Song.' 

Website (Pre-Order/Order ‘Swan Song’)

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Capstan - Separate - Album Review

Capstan - Separate - Fearless Records

Track List:

1. pretext

2. shades of us

3. take my breath away noose

4. alone (feat. shane told)

5. blurred around the edges (feat. saxl rose)

6. tongue-biter

7. abandon

8. shattered glass

9. sway (feat. charlene joan)

10. decline

When I look at the scene's landscape, especially in the category of post-hardcore bands, Capstan is still a relative mystery. And they're a mystery in a couple of ways. First, they've been making progressive post-hardcore for a while now, but they're still able to mix up their sound and keep you on your toes. Second, even though they're on a famous scene label, perhaps the most popular, at this time, they're still seemingly separate from the pack.

Perhaps, that's partly where the title of their sophomore full-length album title 'Separate' comes from. If so, it shows a band capable of deeper insight and self-awareness than many in a similar position. However, with 'Separate,' Capstan is in a challenging situation. Do they continue where EPs and their last full length (‘Restless Heart, Keep Running’) left off, championing melodic post-hardcore? Or do they add in some other popular genres and follow some of the current trends? The lure of that balance can be treacherous and has led many bands to tip the scale in sometimes unfavorable directions.

After listening to 'Separate,' though, Capstan has skillfully navigated those perils and come out the other side with another excellent addition to their discography. It has everything you want from the band, progressive and technical instrumentation, passionate screams, melodic singing, and great storytelling. But, they also stepped out of their comfort zone with a few tracks on 'Separate.' 'take my breath away noose' may be their most giant leap so far. The track sounds momentarily out of place, with a jazzy hook and pop feel. But instead of going full trend, the technical instrumentation is still there. It shows that the band has a ton of range available (and probably even more still to come).

But that isn't all. The choices to "separate" themselves from the pack can be heard in tracks like 'alone,' where the heaviness in the track is balanced throughout with a very catchy chorus. Still, when a clear opportunity for a "standard" breakdown appears, Capstan changes their sound up and falls into a beat instead. It'll be interesting to see how that track is played live, for sure. The band features a few artists as well to mix things up. First, Shane from Silverstein makes an appearance in the before-mentioned track. Later, Saxl Rose and Charlene Joan add their unique touch to their songs, differentiating and diversifying styles. All bringing something more to 'Separate.'

The point of music isn't to only find something "new" and latch on because it's...well, "new". But, when a band adds more dimensions to their sound and does it well, THAT'S when it's worth paying attention to. Capstan has continued to evolve as that band. They've always had a niche sound, but one that can consistently be expanded upon. The "heavy" is there. The melody is there. Every member is highly talented in their place in the band. Each has many moments to shine in 'Separate.' Capstan is a band that consistently impresses, and 'Separate' is another culmination of that talent that people should be paying attention to.

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A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - Album Review

A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - We Are Triumphant

Track List:

1. Pink Dawn (intro)

2. Eastern Lights

3. Telephone

4. Bloom (feat. JT Cavey of Erra)

5. Poison

6. Midnight Eyes (interlude)

7. Deja Vu (feat. Mattéo Gelsomino of Novelists + Sal3m)

8. Death Effect (feat. Brian Wille of Currents)

9. Dissolve (feat. Booka Nile of Make Them Suffer)

10. Aquamarine

Just shy of three years, A Scent Like Wolves return with their sophomore album 'Mystic Auras,' but does it run with the pack or lead the hunt?

Hailing from Reading, a small town in PA, A Scent Like Wolves (ASLW) have continually refined and molded their sound since their debut full length, 'And The Story Goes' in 2013. 'Mystic Auras' continues that tradition with mixtures of post-hardcore, metalcore, and progressive metalcore elements. Not only that, they're one of the few remaining pure dual vocalist bands in the scene. That means 'Mystic Auras' showcases intertwining clean and unclean (singing and screaming) vocal performances from brothers Al and Nick. From soaring highs to bellowing screams, there's plenty of diversity throughout 'Mystic Auras.'

ASLW has always been good at setting the mood in their music, and this is no different, but it's accomplished differently than in their previous material. Each track sounds different from the last while still feeling like ASLW. The musical arrangements vary, not allowing the listener to become bored, while catchy choruses and driving instrumentation keep constant interest in what's coming next. 

A unique trait of 'Mystic Auras' is the willingness to diversify and emphasize features from the scene. Utilizing features is often a missed opportunity in post-hardcore and metalcore. Unlike pop, hip-hop, and other genres, features are used sparingly, but that's not the case with ASLW. Out of the ten tracks, four have features. That's 40%! Easy math even I can do! 'Mystic Auras' boasts features from some heavy hitters from ERRA, Novelists, Currents, and Make Them Suffer! That's an impressive lineup, and each makes an impact and adds an extra layer to their track. 'Dissolve,' which features Booka from Make Them Suffer, is worth an additional note as it's the first almost ballad-style music ASLW has attempted. It certainly pays off (minus a little shoe-horning at the beginning (😜).

My only minute gripe with 'Mystic Auras' is that out of ten tracks, two of them are an intro and interlude (that's 20%). Really, it's only because ASLW always leaves you wanting more. More dual-vocals, more driving instruments, more heavy-melody. It's cliche, but you want even more of the story.

One of the best parts of ASLW when listening to 'Mystic Auras' is the feeling that they're making the music they want to make. Their music feels like the identity they want, and sometimes, that can be rare in a scene of trend followers. Even though they're very good at mixing genres, you don't feel like it's overwhelming or forced. It's a natural progression of the journey they've been on for almost ten years. In that way, they'll always be leading their own pack with 'Mystic Auras.'

Make sure to support A Scent Like Wolves by pre-ordering ‘Mystic Auras’ and following/listening at these links:

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Landon Tewers - Frontal Lobe Submission - EP Review

Landon Tewers - Frontal Lobe Submission - EP - Independent

Track List:

1. Gospel Therapy

2. Kill Me

3. Fuck Pacing

4. Gave My All

5. Just Talkin

6. When I’m Gone

When I spoke about Landon Tewers last, I reviewed his previous solo release 'Withdrawals.' I started the review by saying, "This is Landon Tewers, not The Plot In You." The same holds true here, so I felt it bears repeating. Landon's solo material usually is very different than anything he's done with The Plot In You previously. But this new release, 'Frontal Lobe Submission' (referred to as FLS as we continue), is also different from 'Withdrawals' and continues the dynamic shifts of Landon's varied music career in a pretty significant way.

FLS begins with the first single, 'Gospel Therapy,' which sounds like it could be a b-side of 'Withdrawals.' It's an interesting dynamic as the song starts as one genre and quickly morphs into a bouncy, funky-groove. You know it would get people moving at a live show. It has that element of surprise during the track's evolution that puts you on your back foot. It asks the question, what can possibly come next?

That "next" is the second single, 'Kill Me.' It's a very catchy song when the chorus crashes in, especially for a song begging for death. It's a full and upbeat song you might not be expecting based on the lyrical content, but one you'll find yourself singing along to quickly. The song features the popular Rory Rodriguez of Dayseeker as a great compliment to this melodic and passionate track.

'Fuck Pacing' changes everything up once again as it seems like it belongs in a movie feeling similar to 'Stand By Me.' Then the beat kicks in, and if your shoulders aren't moving, you must be in a confined space. This track features Gabbie Hanna as a duet, and it's exactly what the track needed. The extra layering compliments everything even before the horns kick in. 

Another sing-a-long track is next in 'Gave My All.' Acoustics drive the pace, and some screaming vocals give the song the extra grit it needs. This will be up there with 'Kill Me' soon enough.

'Just Talkin' probably has my favorite line in this EP: 

"...I will never stay consistent. 

No, I will never

No, I will never think the same."

I feel like that line capitulates Landon, especially when it comes to his music projects and prowess. The beat in this track doesn't even come in until around the second minute. The song continues with an R&B/Hip hop flair that culminates with a very, very strange "child" speaking at the end. It wouldn't be Landon without some weirdness, haha. 

The final track, 'When I'm Gone,' could easily be used in a movie where the main focus is hipster drama. It sounds like the perfect suicide note put to music, but the track isn't depressing; the instrumentation lingers on the positive, almost hopeful tone. It's not the cookie-cutter sad acoustic song at the end of the emo/pop-punk album, and it leaves you wanting more. 

If you take out 'Gospel Therapy,' FLS sounds more focused this time around. It'll depend on your tastes what type of Landon's material you gravitate to most. Still, he always has a way of making everything sound unique. Each release is exciting because not only do you have to stay on your toes, but there's also an abundance of quality that goes with everything Landon does. Start your year off right with 'Frontal Lobe Submission' and listen to Landon Tewers stay consistently inconsistent in the best way possible.

‘Frontal Lobe Submission’ comes out Friday, January 29th.

Pre-order/order ‘Frontal Lobe Submission’ and more, by following the links below:

Landon Tewers - Website (Pre-Order)

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Tigerwine - Nothing Is For You - Review

Tigerwine - Nothing Is For You - Tooth & Nail Records

1. Anteroom

2. Technicolor Yawn

3. Scarecrow

4. Black Water

5. Salt

6. Wigwam

7. Word Hoard

8. Hiss At The Sun

9. Nothing Is For You

10. Complete

It’s been slightly more than three years since Tigerwine released their debut full-length album ‘Die With Your Tongue Out’ (Blood & Ink Records) and now in 2020, they’ve returned on a new label, but with that familiar Tigerwine sound.

But, not familiar as in, “the same album” again. Definitely not. Tigerwine has embarked on something new, yet familiar. It might sound cliche, but I think you’ll understand when you listen through. There’s no official intro to Tigerwine’s sophomore full-length release ‘Nothing Is For You’, but like many of the songs on the album, there’s a built-in intro to the first track Anteroom. It lures you in with reverberation and repeating guitar picking, which leads to...old-school feedback and distortion! It’s time for some rock! 

Hayden’s voice hasn’t skipped a beat since DWYTO. Haunting at times, delicate at others, and harsh when screaming certain notes. You can hear the passion intensify as songs build (see ‘Scarecrow’ for example). Maybe it’s just me, but the production and instruments feel like I’m in a small bar or club seeing a local rock band play their hearts out. Even though the album can be relatively atmospheric or possibly noise rock-y at times, there’s a rawness the band captures that’s often lost in today’s scene. 

Another topic of note, unlike many bands in the scene, Tigerwine take their time creating an atmosphere for their songs. Nothing seems rushed. Each track is over 3 minutes with many in the 5-minute range, the longest at 6:35. No interludes, or stand-alone intro and outro tracks. You get your breath in the lead-up and then it’s off to the races. In the track ‘Wigwam’, a little more than halfway through, the vocals float away, leaving the mood to settle into drums, guitar, and feedback. The vocals return after the desired effect has taken hold. That tone plays throughout the entirety of ‘Nothing Is For You’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tigerwine’s sophomore offering doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. While keeping elements of DWYTO, They have only added to what they’re capable of in ‘Nothing Is For You’. Less screaming doesn’t mean the element of heaviness has left, it’s just now presented in a different style. This is an album to lose yourself in, to imitate in your garage, or to take in a long and rainy drive with it as your soundtrack. Hopefully, this is only the start for Tigerwine. 

You can pre-order ‘Nothing Is For You’ following the links below. ‘Nothing Is For You’ comes out on Friday, May 1st, 2020 through Tooth & Nail Records.

Tigerwine - Facebook

Tigerwine - Twitter

Tigerwine - Instagram

Tigerwine - Store