ALBUM REVIEW: I AM – Toothgrinder

Sometimes experiencing difficult circumstances in your life can result in the creation of the most moving and emotional compositions. Trials and tribulations have lead TOOTHGRINDER to album number three entitled I AM which is due for release on October 11th via Spinefarm Records. Will this release allow them the opportunity to purge themselves of their demons?

The Silence Of A Sleeping WASP commences with an emphatic drum beat and an energetic vibe before descending into gritty vocals and punchy melodies. The uplifting mood and silky smooth solo get I AM off to a strong start. Ohmymy lets it’s bass lines do the talking in the initial stages, the vocal hooks are incredibly infectious as the groove drenched pace soothes your wounds. My Favourite Hurt takes a softer, more delicate approach as a heavy edge weaves in and out. TOOTHGRINDER‘s experimental eccentricities shine through as the quirkiness draws you in.

No Tribe has the potential to be the standout track purely for it’s bouncy, addictive nature. The drumming packs a serious punch as the tempo begins to pick up in the chorus segments. The acoustic guitar work which opens up no surrender in The House Of Leaves will tug on your heart strings with it’s emotive fragility. Intensity ebbs and flows neatly throughout to keep your adrenaline pumping. shiVer harnesses a floaty, chilled demeanour as electronic beats provide the backbone for this arrangement. As the track progresses impressive tapping segments are unleashed to provide an emphatic finish. The New Punk Rock picks up the tempo with further energetic riffing which teams up with quirky effective vocal deliveries. Whilst relatively short in construction it is guaranteed to have a venue shaking if TOOTHGRINDER unveil this in their live performances.

too soft for the scene, TOO MEAN FOR THE GREEN continues the heightened intensity as it invigorates with hard hitting instrumentation and passionate vocal projections. The track twists and turns with a variety of styles being introduced along the way.  Can Ü Live Today? possesses a dramatic nature as the burly riffing and distortion immerse you within it’s atmosphere. The transitions between haunting melodies and energised growls are executed seamlessly. The Fire Of June offers up vibrant melodies, soulful vocals and an alluring pacing which effortlessly reels you in from the offset. The operatic elements further enhance the arrangement. I AM maintains the energy levels until the very end as it’s theatrical prose keeps a tight grasp of your attention. The lyrical content is particularly uplifting and motivational, proudly declaring the inspiration for the themes running throughout. A perfectly poignant choice to bring the album to a close.

TOOTHGRINDER have acquired a reputation for not treading the same path twice with previous releases, I AM continues to push their experimentation down different avenues and the positive messages of triumph through struggle provide an engaging listening experience. As their releases all vary significantly in styles it is difficult to gauge where this release sits in relation to rest of their back catalogue but there is lot to appreciate and absorb. There is bags of variety to digest but it is unravelled in an accessible, entertaining manner which will have you coming back for more to fully grasp the sentiments within.

Rating: 8/10

I AM is out now via Spinefarm Records.

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