Review Summary: Underoath’s consistency and creativity keep them creating music that is both intense and challenging.
With Aaron Gillespie and a chunk of their fan base gone, you could say that Underoath (and replacement drummer Daniel Davison) had a lot to prove. The loss of the beloved vocalist/drummer brought about many questions and concerns about the future of the band. However, Underoath has proven that they are more than just one talented musician by releasing one of the strongest albums of 2010 and one of the best surprises for their fans.
Immediately as the record starts, it sets the tone as dark and brooding. Gone is the fun catchiness that plagued past albums and we plunge full force in to the darkness of addiction, struggle, and uncertainty. The lyrics are as well-written as ever and the musicianship sets up the tone of the whole album as only the expert musicians in Underoath can do. Daniel Davison is a most welcome addition to the group as his stylistic drumming fits right in to the bands overall vision. Spencer Chamberlain has taken the throne of the only vocalist and listeners won’t be displeased. We still get treated to a good amount of guttural growls and screams but his clean vocals are much more focused and on-key.
The best thing that can be said about this album is its tightness. Everything transitions together perfectly and creates a “more than just music” feeling. This is the type of album that is best to be listened to in one sitting in order to get the full effect of what the band is trying to accomplish. The album is a great deal more piercing and intense than anything they’ve ever done. It’s definitely not a light listen.
Although the album is best to listen to as a single entity, that doesn’t mean that you can’t listen to a single song and not enjoy it. The single off the album, “Illuminator” is a great taste of what the rest of the album brings. It even has a slight degree of the aforementioned “catchiness” from their Aaron days. The song “Paper Lung” is an exceptional tribute to the style of Tool and Deftones. Don’t confuse “tribute” with “rip-off” as Underoath makes it their own with their signature ambient guitar work and Spencer’s growling. However, the absolute pinnacle of the album happens on the ninth track “Vacant Mouth” with exceptional, well constructed drum work and the always welcome choral track overlapping with Spencer’s improved vocals.
In point of fact, I believe the only negative thing that can be said about the album is its length is too short, weighing in at only 38 minutes (Between the Buried and Me just released a 3-track EP that is 30 minutes long) . As the last track comes to an end you’re left with a sense of wanting more. But it puts Underoath fans in a perpetual state of suspense for what’s coming up next for the band. I, for one, am extremely excited for the future of Underoath.
If you HAVE to listen to just one or two tracks I’d recommend Paper Lung and Vacant Mouth.
