Warped Tour is ending and the world is sad. 2018 marks the end of an era for music fans. Kevin Lyman booked some of the most creative lineups in recent history. After all, it’s not like we’ll ever see Katy Perry and Bring Me the Horizon on the same set-list again. Each year I make an effort to binge songs from each band featured. Through the years I’ve poisoned my mind with enough scene music to make Hot Topic jealous in hopes of getting a brief introduction to each group. That way I know who to avoid and keep an eye out for. 2018 was the most interesting as Warped fans didn’t know how to feel about the final cross-country lineup. Once I cracked my fingers, grabbed my headphones, and fired up the YouTube machine, I came across Capstan.
I have a soft spot for local bands and figured to give the group a shot. I went the extra mile and listened to
Cultural Divide in its entirety. The 5 song EP centers around the theme of ‘us and them.’ The songs compare their beliefs to what’s culturally accepted in modern America. Capstan adorns a post-hardcore sound similar to the early 2000’s. The bands raw and riff focused sound has a lot of variety throughout
…Divide. Anthony DeMario, Capstan vocalist, has a raspy and hoarse scream comparable to Tim McIlrath. Older post-hardcore fans will have a lot to examine while listening to
Cultural Divide, however, this is anything but a nostalgia trip.
Demario’s lyrical style has a poetic value to it. One could go as far to point out a spoken word influence, but the delivery doesn’t follow. The lyrics presented in
Cultural Divide are told in a coming of age narrative. They relay how the bands viewpoints shifted upon growing older and seeing the world for what it really was. For example, ‘Death of an Illusion’ regards how the band separated from religion and found faith in the world around them. “Because I've found faith in myself and the people I love. Not through medication or forgiveness from above,” serves as the message of the song.
‘Wax Poetic’ is, at least according to YouTube, the EP’s most popular track. The whimsical opening riff lays the atmosphere which quickly sours. What begins as a melodic open-sounding riff morphs into palm-muted chugs, and surprisingly, an up-tempo solo. The song may be one of those “breakup” songs, but the lyrics make for good storytelling. “She always seems to color me the only shade she couldn't see. I am transparent; transparent as a ghost,” ends on an impactful note. The EP has strong tracks, but ‘Wax Poetic’ is something special. Lyrically and instrumentally, ‘Wax Poetic’ is something to behold.
Without spoiling too much of the EP, I can say
Cultural Divide is a refreshing listen for those looking for new post-hardcore. The EP doesn’t overstay its welcome or seem repetitive. Some songs may seem a bit cliché (i.e. ‘Consumed’), but it doesn’t ruin the overall experience. I could see the group breaking out once they find their threshold in today’s scene. Seldom do we see post-hardcore bands do anything original these days, and Capstan is lighting some much needed sparks.
Standout Tracks
Wax Poetic
Return to Sender
