Review Summary: flange
Title Fight are a band who have certainly pacified with maturity. Every album has become steadily less “punk” since their 2009 debut collection “The Last Thing You Forget”. This is no criticism however, the shoegaze influence that has steadily creeped in to their material, is now at the forefront of their sound and it brings a beautiful and serene feel to the new album Hyperview.
Understandably, the word “serenity” may turn people off when being used to describe a Title Fight album but it is the washed-out vibes of “Your Pain is Mine Now” and “Dizzy” which are a highlight of the entire album. “Your Pain is Mine Now” is the best track on the album - a ballad of sorts featuring haunting distant vocals atop guitar heavy with flange. The track is very pretty and elegant which is to be expected from a song which premiered on VOGUE magazine’s website – something Title Fight fans circa 2009 would surely cast scorn at.
The main change in sound between Hyperview and their last album Floral Green would be tonally. The majority of the guitar work on the new album is either drenched in flange, or completely bare of any effect or drive, which gives the songs an almost retro feel reminiscent of The Smiths at times. The vocals too differ from previous albums in that on most tracks they seem to shy away from the forefront, unobtrusively lurking behind waves of guitar, which is pleasant, but it can sometimes feel like you’re listening to the album through a seashell. There is almost a total absence of yelling on this record barring only the second single release “Rose of Sharon”.
Title Fight haven’t quite gone cold turkey on their more driven punk roots as there are some heavier moments on the album, namely first single “Chlorine” which is the paciest song on the album and despite only featuring clean vocals it is the biggest throwback to their previous material, similar to earlier tracks like “Head in the Ceiling Fan” and “Lefty” to name a few. Also track 3 “Hypernight” includes a spoon-full of aggression, more so than the majority of album without straying too far from the path the band has decided to follow on this release.
The band may well lose some fans with this album as it could certainly alienate listeners who are thirsty for the aggression found on earlier albums since Hyperview will not be able to quench that thirst.
Hyperview is an accomplished culmination of previous work and showcases a band that has matured well over the last 6 years. The new sound is thoroughly enjoyable but the album would be better if it included some heavy tracks to shake up the tempo and keep things interesting.
