* * * * * Captains – Into The Storm * * * * *
I’ve never been one to travel into the heart of a tornado or throw my life into the hands of the waves at sea but Into The Storm may have just convinced me…it’s a good idea? Ok, maybe I’m not willing to go that far but there’s no need to when you’ve got an album like these guys have put out that can drop you right in the midst of it all from the comfort of your headphones. I’m absolutely jittery with emotion when I say; Captains is pure awesomeness. I wish I could articulate my convictions more elegantly but my tough is tied in joyful loops like shredded ribbon.
Their experimental post-metal sound shows influence from a graceful blend of Botch, Rosetta and Isis but holds its own completely. With every member contributing vocals aside from the guitarist, the harmonies and layers of clearly distinct vocal style adds their sounds uniqueness. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Into the Storm have only been around since 2005 and put out their first full length Amidst A Sea Of Chaos in 2010. With the stature of their 2011 release Captains, I hope they keep this up because talent like this is not one to let sink to the ocean floor.
“Bodhi Zephyr”, the first track on the album is slightly weak lyrically but makes up for it with relentless heavy riffs and commanding chants that reign true to anyone cognisant of the binds of preconceived notions, engrained in us from birth. The stand out track for me was Jean-Luc Picard. It starts off pretty heavy with a commanding duo of ruthless vocals, chugging guitar riff and plenty of cymbals. As the track progresses, it stretches it’s musicality into a wicked spread of sonic soundscapes, reminiscent of the post-punk legends Joy Division, dotted with pattering drum beats. The ending is a simply glorious trail of sound and samples I wish never had to end.
“John Jameson” is an immensely heavy love ballad of a captain and the sea. Acknowledgement of the oceans naturally ravenous hunger, yet the escape it also provides from all that is hope are dauntingly beautiful. When out at sea, you are alone; left to face the demons within or let blood spill to the sails. Every choice is yours. No rules. No master. This track takes command of its own destiny and I could relish in its soul sinking weight for days.
The shortest track of the album, “K’nuckles” beats the rest into a bloody pulp. This doom encrusted beacon of hopeless sorrow throws around your spirits around just as mercilessly as any Botch album ever could. The last track, “Walter White”, featuring Mark Blazer of Gladiators Eat Fire (inspired by the ever popular Breaking Bad) details the struggle of fighting against the harsh conditions of the system and the evils which life bestows upon us. “We are survivalist idealists” the lyrics state, which, even if you haven’t seen the series, is so reflective of current emotions across the globe; whether it be the revolutions in Libya and Egypt or even the current Occupy Movement.
We are in a constant state of struggle, at whim to those who seem to think they have more rights to happiness. As we fight back for what is rightfully ours we’re “Reaching out for a brand new position”; to even the playing field amidst this abysmal state of inequality and rights abuse. Musically, this track is very guitar focused with strong overlapping spoken-word style vocals and blood curdling screams. Thumping, clear drumming clings to this songs outer shell and binds it all together for a great track.
Everything about this album is a complete piece of art from the colorful splatter on the records clear vinyl to the individual art work for each track, the effort behind the little details is incredible. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the aforementioned bands without question and I can tell I’ll be playing Captains for many months from now.
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All songs written by into the storm | | | Art by: Matt Jahn, Oliver Reeves | | | Recorded in house: +47° 47′ 37.99″, -122° 21′ 35.90″ | | | Mixed by: Matt Jahn | | | Mastered by: Paul Turpin at Bayside Recording (Bellingham, WA) | | | Credits Released 15 December 2011 | | | Alive & Breathing Records | ABR003.
< < < < < [ [ BandCamp] | [ FaceBook ] ]. > > > > >
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Artist – Captains
Album – Into The Storm [ * * * * * ]
Release Date – 2011
Genre – Post-hardcore, Screamo, Noise, Noise-core, Sludge-core [ TIME FOR SOME SOLID NOISE ]
Tracklist
1. Bodhi Zephyr 04:11
2. Jean-Luc Picard 08:47
3. John Jameson 04:12
4. K’nuckles 02:16
5. Walter White 06:31
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Captains – Into The Storm
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Recommendations: Morality Crisis | Duck. Little Brother, Duck! | Next Life | Mala In Se | Drop DeadFM
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