Unconscious Disturbance - Shooting At The Moon

Unconscious Disturbance

Shooting At The Moon

by Andrew Sifari at 01 April 2015, 9:23 PM

I read an article not too long ago about how music has become more streamlined and formulaic, not for a lack of creativity, but because of the way we as listeners, consume music; we like simple things we can tap our feet to whilst we do other things like play video games or surf the web. While there are still plenty of talented and creative artists out there, few get the recognition they deserve. The newest release from Brooklyn, New York’s own, UNCONSCIOUS DISTURBANCE, looks to change that.

It’s hard to deny the influence TOOL have had on today’s generation of musicians, and one notices traces of the similar volatile, yet controlled tension in the words of frontman Kiko Freiberg, as the band kick things off with the appropriately, ever-changing “Camouflage”. There’s a lot going on in terms of layered instruments and contrasting elements, as the band blends mellow passages of contemplative psychedelia with calculated aggression, but none of the song’s varied passages ever feel unnecessary or drawn out, a credit to the band and a great way to start off the album.

Just in case you thought you had them figured out, second track “Verdict” blows it all up with a discordant, blast beat propelled intro that reminds this reviewer of the track “Velocity” from OBSCURA’s “Omnivium” in its formless, yet identifiable musical nihilism. Of course, the band turn this on its head (yet again) as the song transitions to a more venomous, slower-paced attack whose accusational tone melds beautifully with the understated, slithering leads that slink through the song’s interlude around the 3:40 mark.

The airy, expansive textures of “Flight” give way to the muscular Prog that opens up the labyrinthine “Regeneration.” Lyrically, the song catches the group at perhaps their most cerebral, and the accompanying music absolutely envelopes the listener in its raw, emotional fury. As much as the guitars drive the album, especially in this song, Dan Freiberg is at the top of his game here with a drumming performance that is both active and organic, the restless tumbling of his kick drums accenting the riffs and leads perfectly without stealing the show. “Running Inside” is another great track for many of the same reasons, building up slowly from a softer, almost dream-like state, until it reaches its peak, a desperate, pleading moment of humanity.

The only real criticism I have of this album is that while all the songs are incredibly solid and entertaining in their own right, it’s hard to really come up with one that just says, “This is it. This is what we’re all about.” “Hollow” has the chance to be that song, but it doesn’t really break any new ground, instead acting as something of an abbreviated summary of the band’s approach throughout the album. That doesn’t make it a bad song; far from it, it is every bit as complex and intelligent as any of the other songs here. This, however, is very nit-picky on my part. “Shooting At The Moon” is the kind of adventurous, multifaceted work that more Metal bands ought to look up to, as it is never content with merely spinning the wheels, and challenges the listener at every turn. It is an immensely satisfying work that fans of Progressive, Alternative, and Extreme Metal alike should find plenty to enjoy about. Highly recommended.