ALBUM REVIEW: Modern Escapism – blanket

It’s always interesting to see the difference in mindset when bands approach a new record. Be it a desire to grow and improve, or simply a willingness to take risks that others aren’t, it’s always great to see bands breaking through their own ceilings and discovering pastures new. And while this can be a make or break process for some, it’s great for us as listeners when it does pay off.

Hats off then to BLANKET for embodying that philosophy and running with it. Having reflected on their 2018 debut How To Let Go, they’ve built vertically from what were already very solid foundations and returned three years later with their sophomore release Modern Escapism. First impressions are very promising, but make no mistake, this is still the BLANKET that we have grown to love. There is nothing ‘new’ here per se, but their uber-cinematic landscape now has a follow up, and in true sequel style it is positively bigger and better than its predecessor.

Conceptually, the Blackpool-based four-piece have honed in on the narcissism that drives social media culture, documenting their unfiltered opinions on the dopamine rush we all so desperately seek with every scrap we upload on a daily basis, and our growing obsession with other people’s lives. It’s an illusion that we are all ensnared by, they argue, wasting no time in telling us how strange (and perhaps damaging) this aspect of our evolution could prove to be.

The record is just as striking musically as it is conceptually. Even if we take lyrics out of the equation, the songs are fit to burst with a plethora of raw emotions, ranging from the most serene notes, to outbursts of pure angst. It is a complete concept that follows an evolving, meandering path, rather than simply being a collection of standalone songs. Perhaps this is owed in part to the extended recording period the band utilised to finetune the songs and maximise the album’s potential. Perhaps they have simply grown as songwriters. The latter seems more likely.

One thing is for certain – the chosen format makes for a staggering listen. Opening with the dense, shoegazey tones of White Noise, there are early comparisons to DEFTONES as the track progresses through noisy, emotive riffs and serene passages that flow between the more powerful choruses. Romance takes a totally different approach, as black metal vocals (a surprising foray for a historically instrumental outfit) take the forefront and rip through a track that evokes thoughts of blackgaze maestros like MØL and DEAFHEAVEN. The song then momentarily swims back into a series of calmer riffs, only to sporadically explode back into metallic chaos.

This generally sets the album’s precedent. They have kept the post rock, upped the shoegaze and turned up the dial on heaviness. This balance manifests most prominently in piano-backed instalments such as Firmament, and towering guitar passages in the likes of The Last Days Of The Blue Blood Harvest. Variety and unpredictability is key, and on Modern Escapism, we are never quite sure of what will come next. Throw in features from the likes of LOATHE‘s Kadeem France and you arguably have a recipe for one of the year’s more unique and diverse albums. 

The danger of this approach is that BLANKET may now miss the mark when it comes to certain fanbases. Are they too heavy for post rock fans? Too slow in build up for those that lean more towards blackgaze? But naturally, those willing to read between the lines will quickly realise that BLANKET aren’t just here to make up numbers. They are a serious, creative force that should not be taken lightly. 

Standing out from the pack is no easy task in a modern world where music is so readily accessible, yet somehow BLANKET have managed to move through the ranks and elevate themselves from being merely a promising outfit to one that ought to be challenging for bigger stages. Blackpool’s finest have done it again.

Rating: 8/10

Modern Escapism is set for release on October 8th via Music For Nations.

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