Testing the waters in a genre-bending experimental effort, ‘Free To Be Or Not To Be Me And You’ marks the record’s opening track, reflecting themes of existentialism and a search for understanding through the use of spine-tingling synths, bone-shattering drum beats, and haunting cello undertones courtesy of Megan Siebe. ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ pays homage to the band’s previous releases, taking the form of an aggressive indie-rock track that deals with the aftermath and repetitive cycles of conflict, before ‘It’s Gonna Hurt’ tears apart any previous post-hardcore influences and branches out into heavier post-punk and industrial tones. Beautifully, the track’s musical intensity mirrors the Cure’s Disintegration, and Kasher’s desperate, guttural vocals throughout the song’s chorus blend traits of Jordan Dreyer and Trent Reznor. The anxiety-fuelled ‘Under the Rainbow’ follows in a pounding explosion, as the band unapologetically point their fingers at the self-satisfaction of the privileged classes, providing an anthem of solidarity for those “left all alone”.

A melancholic piano forms the basis of ‘Remorse’ as distorted guitars and group vocals echo feelings of sorrow and guilt, before the halfway point fades in towards the droning and hostile ‘Ouroboros’. Despite the negative tones of the album overall, ‘Vitriola’ depicts a beautiful interpretation of the world around us; the dream-like melodies in ‘Everending’ compliment the vivid imagery of the track, before ‘Ghost Writer’ marks the soundtrack to every creative’s work life as Kasher criticizes his own artistic process and compares the ‘create and destroy’ process of writing to that of society. Lead single ‘Life Savings’ comes next, presenting Cursive at their best in a post-hardcore effort that addresses the destructive nature of money. Featuring immaculate guest vocals from Campdogzz’s Jess Price, the track’s blend of gut-wrenching guitar work and hard-hitting lyrical themes culminate in one of the most emotional tracks ‘Vitriola’ has to offer.

In keeping with the record’s pessimistic perspective, closing track ‘Noble Soldier / Dystopian Lament’ provides listeners with a chilling commentary on the potential collapse of society, combining the use of cello and distorted synths in a haunting, yet powerful confrontation as Kasher drones “the life you knew is over.” Impressively, ‘Vitriola’ expresses Cursive’s frustrations and resentment towards society, alongside their own internal struggles and the instability of their home country, yet does so in a way that is both brutally honest and universally applicable.

KELLY RONALDSON

Frontman Tim Kasher told Stereogum: “When negativity and darkness is being pounded at you in song, it also feels so good to be given a way out — to be given some glimmer of hope. I think I had to keep it in mind on this record because I was going darker and I was being more cruel than I usually am because of the current [US government] administration. So it became more important to me to be multi-faceted with the emotional range.”

Listen to ‘Under The Rainbow’ below:

https://soundcloud.com/15passenger/under-the-rainbow-1/

‘Vitriola’ is set for release 5th October via Big Scary Monsters Records.

The song is taken from his third solo album, ‘No Resolution’, which will be available on the 3rd March through Cursive’s own label, 15 Passenger.