Along Came A Spider - Resurgence

Along Came A Spider

Resurgance

by Daniel Fox at 12 August 2014, 6:55 PM

US Post-Hardcore act ALONG CAME A SPIDER are soon to come out with a sophomore effort, "Resurgence", amongst the sea of such bands that have emerged from North America in the past few years. But alas, is a spree of 3-minute drop-Z breakdowns? Carefully, I take a gander.

Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of the production. With the "djenty" sound rising in popularity, I was expecting a studio shamble of overly-thick multi-tracked guitar layering. However, what the band has ended up with, is a sound that is capable of both loose and thick, sounds at least somewhat organic and allows individual instruments breathing room. "A Link to the Past", features some deliciously intriguing riff work throughout, with open-string abuse kept to a minimum. However, I am teetering on the fence on the matter of vocals. The screams are sufficiently powerful, mostly in the high-register. But not quite as high as the cleans; the whiny bleat that can be found many-a-time elsewhere. Alas, that is my personal taste talking "No Laws" is an incredibly strong track, perhaps my favorite on the record, considering. The riffs are made with delectable grooves and heaviness in mind, and even the vocals become a little more bearable.

"Wanderlust" carries this style on somewhat further down the tracklist, yet with many a more fist-pump Punk moments thrown in. Incredibly enjoyable for essentially the first half, the breakdown initiating roughly halfway through somewhat dumbed the mood down. I understand that many people enjoy breakdowns; I have been known to enjoy a few here and there, but this did not come across as the heavyweight I was expecting. The track redeems itself partway through, with an energetic return to ecstatic melody and spastic vocals. "In Oblivion" features superb melodic and rhythmic arrangement; some of the best on the record, and keyboard and guitar threading are used to perfection. Another album favourite, if it weren't for a few more cringe-worthy vocal moments.

Personally, I can't decide if I like the music. Vocals are incredibly important to me, and in this case, I can't say I feel it. But alas, my opinion does not matter in the grand scheme of music appreciation. As far as fans of the genre go, I would expect this band to go places and be very much well-received.