Phenomenology,
The BlueprintHaving heard big things about The Blueprint I eagerly awaited the sonic blasts from the stereo to blow me away. Hype is always a good thing (Note: Tongue in cheek) and from the feedback I was getting back from certain area’s, it indicated nothing but good. So what of the first listen? Well I was distinctly unimpressed and felt it was all a bit of an anti-climax. But I concur, because after many, many repeated listens I came away enjoying every minute of it.
Born from the ashes of earthtone9, Consumed and Pitchshifter, the eleven tracks inadvertently manage to kick you in the balls each time, but yet you continue to come away smiling. Why? Well that’s a question beyond me, but this is a train crash of an album as it skids and stumbles its way through breakneck drumming, thoughtful sombre sides and instrumental ingenious. It’s gritty drawn out guitar work, the tight and varied drumming along with stirring and charismatic vocals of frontman of Karl Middleton all combine to a package which any self discerning post-hardcore fan should own.
Kicking off with the thumping ‘Over’ it ignites a passion and rage which only ever lets up completely on the thoughtful, yet angst filled ‘They Will be Named’ and the superbly layered ‘Leading into Trees’. It is the rage filled efforts where the Blueprint truly stand on their feet though as ‘El Miedo’ offers stunning pace is complemented with some tight guitar work and similarly impressive vocals while the instrumental popped in at the end (The Comment) is another showcase of the talents possessed.
Make no mistake, The Blueprint are by no means working their latest project off the back of older memories and defiantly stand in the face of any other English post hardcore faction out there. The key to the success of this release is how all members seem to know which direction they want to go and if they continue down that path then the only way is up.
Jay
www.the-blueprint.net
Golf Records
