IDLEWAR
“IMPULSE”
Album Review By Rachel Tooley
7/10
Powertrio ‘Idlewar’ are a band originating from Orange County, California, who take a very organic approach to rock music. The three piece band are known for fusing together old and new styles of heavy metal rock; they take inspiration from iconic groups such as AC/DC and Aerosmith, as well as more contemporary artists like Royal Blood. Idlewar’s singer James Blake hits notes in their songs like pieces of vocal artwork, and also contributes to the foundations of each piece by playing the bass. Rick Graham contributes to the band using his fingers of magic as he plays guitar riffs that make you shiver right to your core. Pete Pagonis’ casual practice on the drums earned him a spot within the band; he plays the drums rhythmically to create the pulse of the tracks – his expertise on the drums comes in to produce the heartbeat of each record. Established in 2014, the band are well on their way to making it up the rankings, as they become more recognised for their thunderous rhythms and invigoratingly intense vocals.
Following their iconic EP release ‘Dig In’ which was launched in June 2015, their new album ‘Impulse’ is now available for avid fans to indulge in. The album offers a variety of atmospheres as you progress your way through each track. The aura you pick up from the album will rip you from your seat and take you for a real ride – it toys with your emotions as you listen to the memorably rhythmic anthems that keep you on your toes.
The first track, ‘Stone In My Heel’ allows you to embrace the music and even sing along to the memorable lyrics. This simple but effective tune refreshes your ear drums and greets you with a fast paced, toe tapping treat. ‘Soul’ gives you a feeling of freedom as you can unleash your inner metalhead and begin head banging to the heavy beats and metallic sounds throughout this track. This was one of my personal favourites, you can relax and move to the beat so effortlessly as you inhale their warming approach to heavy metal. The introduction and build up of track 3 ‘Criminal’ puts you in a rebellious state of mind, in which you can connect with the heart of the track and really take hold of the tempo. Each instrument plays it’s own part in this track which makes it an easy listen. The heavy riffs throughout the track keep you engaged and make you hungry for more. A sudden loosening of the strings in track 4 takes you back into a state of eerie alleviation. The gloomy, sticky melodies featured in ‘All That I Got’ will leave you feeling a strangely satisfying quiver in your bones.
The heavy introduction of the fifth track ‘Innocent’ sets contradictory thoughts pulsing through your brain. The contrasts between the light-hearted title of this track and the intense, echoing vocals make you think about innocence in a new light, as you begin to open your mind to the darker side of life. With less of a smooth rhythm, this song would be a great head banger to give your brain a good shake. In my opinion, track 6 has the perfect introduction. ‘Glory’ really does it’s name justice. With a slower beat, it’s an easy listen which still gives you a great buzz and allows the music to run deep through your veins. In true AC/DC fashion, tracks 7 and 8 begin with single, explosive guitar riffs which reignite your energy levels. However, as they go on, you may find they aren’t the strongest songs which feature on ‘Impulse’, as they begin to sound more similar when you continuously play the album. ‘Burn All This’ is one track leaving your mind slightly defrazzled, as the tempo is changing indecisively throughout. Constantly transitioning from a stagnant ballad to a mightily good, mosh pit worthy composition.The final song on the album, ‘On Our Knees’, has a very well layered use of instruments to drive you deeper into the last anthem. The chorus is a very solid element to the piece, without it, the track would be quite empty and unworthy of being the last of a great album. Although as the guitar and the drums combine into each other, your ears will feel much more compelled to listen again.
Overall I think the album is very well balanced and leaves you feeling emotionally fulfilled. It would be a great one to add to your collection and broaden your musical horizons with. Hopefully the band’s next release will be just as creative and even more adventurous.
TRACKLIST
Stone In My Heel
Soul
Criminal
All That I Got
Innocent
Glory
Apathy
Damage
Burn All This
On Our Knees
http://www.idlewar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/idlewartheband/
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