ALBUM REVIEW: Braille – Palm Reader

2018 has already witnessed many bands releasing the best material of their careers and PALM READER are set to join the ranks with their impending effort Braille which is due for release on April 6th via Silent Cult Records.

Swarm kicks into gear with a chaotic frenzy of upbeat riffing and snarling vocals before transitioning to bursts of melody, showcasing from the offset just how diverse PALM READER can really be. Ambient tones flow throughout before the heavy hitting energy pours over into the bludgeoning intro to Internal Winter which harnesses the raw aggression of the likes of POISON THE WELL and FEED THE RHINO. Throwing frenetic drumming, intricate lead work and crazy time signatures into the fray the five piece aren’t pulling any punches.

Like A Wave continues the pace injected tempo with edgy, punchy riffs and scintillating intensity before the echoing tones of Inertia begin to take shape. Unlike the earlier instalments there is a more restrained pace and dark atmospherics in the air which become increasingly more addictive. The slick switches between piercing screams and passionate vocal passages creates an inviting, diverse canvas which is hard not to become enamoured with.

Breach provides a little excerpt of brevity amongst the intensity with subtle, distorted guitar tones and a minimalistic aura that soon fades into the thunderous waves of Coalesce. Opening with a bellowing roar you are greeted by a blast of aggression that soon dissipates into a brief portion of subdued yet harsh vocals which are soaked in emotion. At times it feels like frontman Josh Mckeown’s heart is dangling out of his mouth as his blood curling screams have a feeling of palpable, agonising torment that is intoxicating to behold. You feel immediately drawn into the mood of the arrangement.

The Turn tiptoes onto the horizon with pounding drums and understated harmonics before building up the tempo with a progression of hard hitting riffs and punchy bass licks topping it off with a ferocious, earth shattering breakdown. Dorothy returns to the ambient minimalism but possessing a more solemn vibe as keyboards gracefully flow through the track.

Clockwork tugs on the heartstrings with emotive, thought provoking vocals and serene guitar work before abruptly bursting into life with heavy riffing and powerful energy teeing up final track A Lover, A Shadow. Quick drum flutters and quirky guitar tones commence proceedings before the vibrant vocals shine through. The track transitions between upbeat verses and meandering atmospherics, rounding off with a final round of fierce growls and pulsating riffs before robust bass lines draw the album to a close.

PALM READER haven’t been afraid to be experimental, expanding their sound towards new avenues and it has culminated in an immersive, energetically charged experience. Braille dives between emotive, melodic tones and raw passion to full effect and drags you back for more urging you to unearth the sentiments lurking beneath the surface.

Rating: 9/10

Braille is due for release on April 6th via Silent Cult Records.

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