ALBUM REVIEW: Home – Siamese
Danish genre-splicers SIAMESE have quickly acquired the adoration of many listeners with their infectious, accessible approach to song-writing. 2019’s Super Human saw them take big strides into the spotlight, and they are hoping to further capitalise on this momentum with their new album Home, due for release on December 10th via Long Branch Records. Will this effort be exactly what they need to take the next step?
Heights Above kicks this release into gear with snappy drumming and infectious grooves which lean towards the heavier side of the spectrum, something we’re not necessarily used to hearing from SIAMESE but which is still more than welcome. Powerful screams combine with soaring melodies to provide a powder keg of an opener. Home proves to be the match that sets everything ablaze as monstrous hooks immediately grab the track by the scruff of the neck. The aggressive nature spills over and Drew York from STRAY FROM THE PATH lays his signature rasp down to devastating effect. The chorus line is guaranteed to be drilled into your memory. Holy falls into more familiar territory with impactful synth work alongside the upbeat, energetic tempo. Another anthemic chorus segment cries out for the stage.
Honest takes a solemn turn which is ushered in by dramatic piano work and emotive vocal lines. It’s in this instance where Mirza Radonjica can really show off his vocal talents and display why so many people gravitate towards SIAMESE. A crunchy breakdown towards the latter stages further amplifies the intense atmosphere. Whilst the subject matter of Can’t Force The Love is particularly heart-wrenching, it is undeniably crammed with addictive instrumentation for easily one of the biggest earworms of 2021. Erase My Mind follows the potent lyrical content whilst delving into huge hooks and melodies which wouldn’t feel out of place on mainstream radio.
Enough Ain’t Enough lets all of their well-established experimentation with bouncy dance beats come to the forefront. Rory Rodriguez of DAYSEEKER lends his charismatic pipes to the track to add an extra bit of spice. This is a certified floor filler and will have the room moving in a snap. Numb crawls back into the darker metalcore vibes with hefty down-tuned bursts, nudging open a new and intriguing door for the band to jump through further down the line. Rather Be Lonely lets the emotions gush out of every pore, offering up relatable subject matter which listeners will hopefully find some sense of solace in.
Past The End is arguably one of the catchiest tracks on display within this release. The captivating atmospherics, groove-ridden riff work and enticing layers prove to be quite the exhilarating blend. Joga conjures up an alluring tone and tempo that really grabs your attention as you are lost in its vibrant moods. Sloboda may very well be the most personal track SIAMESE have crafted to date. Translating to “Freedom”, this piece tackles experiences from Mirza‘s childhood when he was a refugee, fleeing to start a new life and struggling to acclimatise in his new home. The moods and sensations evoked throughout this track do a great job of depicting the trials and tribulations he endured, ending the album on a poignant and touching note.
SIAMESE have continued to go from strength to strength over the course of their career but Home may just be their most comprehensive offering yet. There is so much to appreciate within this release. The sheer variety of textures on show is a joy to behold and it’s impressive to still see them pushing the boundaries of their sound and not being afraid to try something new. An exciting new chapter for the band which has also left the door wide open for further experimentation.
Rating: 9/10
Home is set for release on December 10th via Long Branch Records.
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