ALBUM REVIEW: Distortion – Future Palace
The much-anticipated third album from German rock band FUTURE PALACE is finally here as of September 6th. Distortion embodies influences from BRING ME THE HORIZON, BAD OMENS and SPIRITBOX while maintaining the band’s own unique flare.
Distortion hits the ground running with the opening track Uncontrolled and refuses to stop for breath. Lead vocalist Maria Lessing doesn’t shy away from demonstrating her range, both in clean vocals and screams. Squealing guitars introduce this LP and prep the listener for one intense journey of emotions, melodic harmonies and cathartic solos. The band’s creativity shines through on this record and tackles the demanding topics of mental health,= with fresh perspectives.
Keeping the pace into track two, but getting heavier, a crowd wouldn’t be amiss to shout “oh, ah, ah, ah” as the the intro is comparable to that of Down With The Sickness by DISTURBED, the timing and energy of Malphas matches almost perfectly. Though categorised as post-hardcore, the album plays with many genres. It incorporates orchestral interjections and chant-like passages conveying psychological struggles. These elements help to tie the music to the title of the album deriving from the psychological term cognitive distortion. Serious topics are broached on this record, with multiple songs offering an outlet of catharsis and validation.
The Echoes Of Disparity explores the theme of female rage, touching on abuses of power in society and the oppression of women. Lines like “If I was a man would you talk to me the same way“ and “My gender is enough to lose respect while you speak” portray the frustration felt by many. The song features Charlie Rolfe from AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS, and both singers’ voices seamlessly weave in and out of one another in what could be a masterclass in how to integrate featured artists. Lessing emphasised how important it was to her to have a second female voice on this song to accurately convey and support its message.
The narrative of mental health journeys continues with Decarabia; the whole song envelops the listener in the dance being described, as if being spun around a vacant ballroom. It describes a bittersweet relationship between two people struggling with depression. Starting with a delicate twinkling, the song picks up pace and introduces some 80s influences through the use of synths, while the fluid vocals of Lessing‘s vibrato grounds the song in elegance. The unwavering power in the songs on this album confirms this is a band that belongs on a stage. Another track that just radiates live energy is Too Deep; it’s easy to picture crowds being told to crouch down and jump up when the beat drops. Though it tackles heavy topics, this is not the album to wallow in despair to. It is more of a soundtrack to standing up for the things you believe in, having your voice heard and fighting for a place in this world.
FUTURE PALACE triumph in immersing the listener in the emotive journey the band were on while creating this LP. Closing out the album is Amethyst, and the song feels like a closer, as if the band have one more punch left in them in contrast to the racing guitars and screams of the first tracks. Though by no means a slow or soft song, there is a softness found in the vulnerability heard in the lyrics: “Can I lean on you for now? You’re my high and all time low.” Once again it is an emotional song continuing the narrative that has followed the whole album, elegantly portraying the impact mental health can have on relationships. There is a pain that can be heard in her voice and Lessing has honed the art of a vocalist telling a story. During the recording process, she had a root infection and was in the aftermath of wisdom tooth surgery. She was able to covert that physical pain and exhaustion into a beautiful execution of the recurring themes. Consistently tight drums and racing guitars provide the perfect landscape for the vocals and lyrics from beginning to end of this album.
FUTURE PALACE are closing out the year with a European tour which includes two stops in the UK: London 04/12 and Manchester 05/12. This is a band that are sure to continue rising in the ranks of the music scene, and their understanding of genre bending and unabashed bravery when incorporating different musical elements should be applauded.
Rating: 9/10
Distortion is set for release on September 6th via Arising Empire.
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