Invalids
Fulfillment EP


4.5
superb

Review

by Mitch Worden EMERITUS
April 1st, 2018 | 76 replies


Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Through rousing instrumentation and emotional delivery, Invalids score a modern success in only 25 minutes.

Classical paintings and sculptures still captivate intrigue to this day, their seemingly profound attention to detail marvelous to the individual observer. Something like Michelangelo’s Pieta has a sort of transcendental emotional impact; its lifelike appearance belies the monolithic nothingness of the blank canvas—inert marble—that the piece emerged from. While Invalids’ Fulfillment EP certainly doesn’t occupy the same league as Renaissance triumphs, it’s hard not to view the two dimensions in a similar manner: the most recent release from the New Jersey solo project-turned-collective feels like a portrait. Each guitar note softly glides through the ears like a gentle brush stroke; the percussion performance enters the fray gracefully as waves upon a shore; and the demonstrative vocal passages, coupled beside poetic lyricism, attack with precision, their delivery striking as sharp as a laser beam. Following in line with historical maestros, the very minutia of all the tracks is arranged in such a calculated, methodical manner, the various components intricately intertwined. The startling technicality presented on the record cascades down, a veritable waterfall of incredibly specific instrumentation. Even though the virtuosity prospers so spectacularly that it almost spirals out of control, in true math-genre fashion, the pieces are bound tightly and dexterously together to keep the songs confined to their allotted spaces. In doing so, Invalids package together a rewarding album whose mature songwriting and overall conveyance defy the metaphorical marble emptiness it was carved from.

Despite only having recently turned into a fully-functional outlet, the synergy between the members of Invalids is palpable. The production applied to the Fulfillment EP is appropriately scaled back—neither the vocals nor the instruments outshine the other, acting instead in full cooperation and allowed their own periods to express themselves. Powerful vocal harmonies and trade-offs, as those in opener “General Sherman,” join the forefront alongside clean, melodic guitar tones, their technical assault transformed into a tender gust of wind. Guiding the rhythm are the drums and the bass; where the former drives the progression of each tune, its output ranging from jazz-esque symbol tapping to frantic exhibitions rivaling -core bands, the latter accentuates the overarching guitars. At a variety of periods, exemplified by the groovy riff reappearing throughout “Master of the Atom,” there is still plenty of room for it to wander on its own, supplying an extra layer to plunge the listener further into the song. When all these elements collide as effectively as they do in the constantly tempo-shifting nature of “Idle Promise” or the syncopated, rhythmic breakdown halfway through “Master of the Atom,” it’s awe-inspiring. Against all preconceptions, the songs never break from their premeditated designs, no matter how threatening the technicality becomes or how fast the expressive singing maneuvers. Invalids manage to execute instances of explosive outbursts balanced by moments of quiet where the group exercises thoughtful restraint, preventing the album from being too overbearing.

What will truly cement the Fulfillment EP and buttress it against the plague of time, however, is the passion, not the technicality itself. Undeniably impressive in every regard though they may be, without an overlaying sense of emotional purpose, the skillful instrumental displays would remain just that—ventures into haphazardly-connected routines in playing that lack personality—and the musical canvas would persist in hollowness. Far from losing themselves in their own ambition, Invalids merge their strongest traits into one: soul-bearing stanzas, surrounded by melodically-toned guitars, soft bass strumming, and fittingly-nuanced drumming, equaling into a product that reads and feels like a love-letter to emo sensibilities.

And its spinning makes no difference
(And its ending meant acceptance)
We can’t feel angles obliquitous.
(Was to be our last attempt)
We’ll be upright, though at a distance
Anywhere on the surface


- “Scourge of a Despot”

The singing, supported through additional backing voices, feels close to bending underneath the subject of each track. Weaving together an image colored in the vibrant hues of the virtuosic playing with darkened shades—tales of shattered relationships, brought to life through vocabulary-rich lines—tucked subtly beneath, Invalids create a work of art placed in a calming atmosphere dotted with the heartbreak of nostalgia. It is a composition expertly constructed, exciting in its technical prowess, and commanding through its equilibrium of both the beautifully harmonious and the pain of regret. In short, the Fulfillment EP erupts from stone and immediately leaps into consciousness. Although its frame may be small, the message and ultimate impact left in the wake of the album is not one to be forgotten so easily.



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user ratings (49)
3.8
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
MarsKid
Emeritus
April 1st 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Happy Easter Fools, here's some hyperbole for you.



Give it a stream: https://invalids.bandcamp.com/album/fulfillment-ep



The Strength LP is worth a jam as well. This project has some really awesome playing presented through it, yet it doesn't get obnoxious or crowded. It feels purposeful.



Comments, criticism, assistance on my future political campaign to colonize Pluto all welcome

Papa Universe
April 2nd 2018


22502 Comments


I think we have to start with the colourful banners saying something like "Mars for Pluto!"

also, POSfillment (or fulfillment ePOS)

and I had to google it to be certain that it can be both fulfilment with one 'l' and two

SteakByrnes
April 2nd 2018


30382 Comments


Sweet review, I remember you telling me about these guys

"neither the vocals nor the instruments outshine the other, acting instead in full cooperation and allowed their own periods to express themselves"

That's very good to know, I hate when one aspect of the music is drowned out by another

Sweet review my man, pos af :]

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

It can? That's a strange fact. Maybe I should throw that around more often to mess with people, for all the many times I use fulfillment.



Thanks for reading and the support. Will definitely invest in those signs fo sho



@Steak glad you enjoyed it my man. I think this is the sort of thing you could jive with as well to be honest.

SteakByrnes
April 2nd 2018


30382 Comments


Yea I'll be sure to check this out soon, I like mathy shit most of the time

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This is mathy shit to beat all mathy shit. The performances are pretty awesome.

Tyler.
April 2nd 2018


19033 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

gonna check this out soon

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Appreciate you stopping by. It's pure math rock bliss

Tranqyl
April 2nd 2018


472 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I'm digging the hell out of this. About time 2018 had a sick math rock release.

DaveTrane
April 2nd 2018


664 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I'm starting to really appreciate your reviews my man. 10 secs in and diggin' af. ty.

Digging: Geordie Greep - The New Sound

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

@Tranqyl glad you're liking it. Never thought I'd consider math-rockers as shredders, but these dudes can shred lol



@Dave that means a lot my man, I try my best. Thank you for stopping by and supporting. And yeah, this project is pretty special I think

Gnocchi
Staff Reviewer
April 2nd 2018


18262 Comments


2018: the year of math core and controversial prog death metal.

Great review Mars, gotta find a quality link for this somewhere so I can blast it at work

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Some good math rock for the soul never hurt



Glad you enjoyed the review and thank you for the support. Hope you enjoy the record, the bandcamp stream ain't bad

Tranqyl
April 2nd 2018


472 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This reminds me a fair bit of the UK band Colour that released only one album. Used to listen to them a lot a few years back.

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I didn't expect the feature but that means a lot to have the support. I appreciate the recognition, hope everyone enjoys this one.

Tranqyl
April 2nd 2018


472 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Oh shit, good job Mars! Didn't even notice that.

JS19
April 2nd 2018


7777 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Been listening to this and Axes' Glory over the past few days and they've both made me endlessly happy

cold
April 2nd 2018


6735 Comments


So, the consensus is that this is worth a good listen?

Digging: Drug Church - Prude

MarsKid
Emeritus
April 2nd 2018


21035 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Thanks for stopping by gents



Cold, I figure you could fall for this one easily

Project
April 2nd 2018


5901 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

This is super fun. Weirdly enough one of the vocalists sounds a bit like Emery at points.



Master of the Atom is fantastic.



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