I admit to a level of curiosity as to what a post-punk fuelled dark rock band would sound like when reading the blurb that came through from the PR for this release. Six tracks make it look a touch on the thin side, though they come in at over 30 minutes, so there is plenty of meat to the ones they have selected to put on to this release. So, would the reliance on longer tracks serve as a good introduction for myself to the band? One way to find out!
It turns out, the sound they make is pretty well up my street. Atmospheric post-metal with sludge elements – more obvious in mid-album track ‘Subterfuge’ – with a shoegaze quality to some of their softer, more melodic approach combining to pretty stunning effect. ‘Subterfuge’ shows they can certainly mix it with the heavier end of the genre too, with some pretty crushing riffs showing how their sound adapts so easily to encompass a more sludge approach without detracting or deviating from the feel of the full release in the slightest.
‘Colonial’ is the first video released from the album and it’s pretty easy to see why. It’s quite a good showcase for what is on the rest of the album, yet set a touch more towards melodic alt-metal than some of the other tracks, meaning it’s a good gateway into appreciating the qualities that the band clearly have in abundance. An alluring guitar hook sets the tone for an appreciable track, while the lyrics strike a vivid mental image of English colonists founding America and the reaction from the inhabitants to this, with the latter third of the track moving from the melodic to the heavier end of their repertoire musically without losing the sumptuous vocals keeping it perfectly poised on the edge of melody.
'Colonial' from our new album 'Care Vale' out September 18, 2020.They have come to feedCome to take you away like robbers of the graveDon’t speakBe still little loverDon’t you fretCause’ our burning eyesWe see right through your disguiseClaim what you want to, forget what you willYou don’t always get to consume what you killThere are rabid deceivers waiting patiently to colonize this decrepit falling kingdom of dustBurning eyes, we see right through your disguiseClaim what you want to, forget what you willYou don’t always get to consume what you killThey have come to feedCome to take you away like robbers of the graveDon’t speakBe still little loverDon’t you fret a thingThey have come to feedCome to take you away like robbers of the graveDon’t speakBe still little loverDon’t you fret a thingBurning eyes, we see right through your disguiseClaim what you want to, forget what you willYou don’t always get to consume what you killBurning eyesConsume what we killBurning eyesConsume what we kill
Posted by AMBASSADOR on Tuesday, August 25, 2020
The title track ‘Care Vale’ itself features some frankly stunning vocals, perfectly showcased among their atmospheric and highly charged musical approach. The reliance on their more melodic alt-metal side strikes a significant chord with me during this track particularly and serves as an excellent starting spot should someone who is already into this kind of alternative or post-metal approach, should they be looking for one track to give the album or artist a chance.
I actually went straight through the first listen without realising how much time was passing, which is the sign of an immense piece of work from the Baton-Rouge outfit. It’s a body of work I would love to see recreated in a live setting and one that demonstrates what a capable, talented act Ambassador are. A release of this quality shows not only are they on the right track, they are providing work of real quality in an area already full of bands. A worthy addition to your music collection if melody, melancholy, or chilled out heavier riffing is your kind of thing.
- ‘Care Vale’ is released on Friday (18 September). You can get your copy HERE.
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