ALBUM REVIEW: Ornaments & Memories – Future Static
The sophomore album of up and coming metalcore fusionists FUTURE STATIC has just been released, and its a testament as to why this band has been capturing people’s attention all the way from Australia. Ornaments & Memories brings what the band’s 2023 debut album did well, but takes the heaviness, experimentation and technicality up a notch.
Opening with Ephemeral, an eerie buzz ensues before transitioning into a fast paced beat. The brisk uncleans of Amariah Cook hit hard, then show off their sheer vocal range as a melodic almost spoken hook takes their place. This moves into a chorus made up of drawn out notes cushioned by more raw elements, making for a really impactful contrast. A more rap sounding vocal pattern comes in for the second verse, which is an interesting but welcome change up. Guitarists Ryan Qualizza and Jack Smith build up to a whirring breakdown that features some surprising synth notes.
There’s Nowhere Else To Go brings a high rolling riff which runs throughout in various forms, with some accentuated pinch moments. Some more almost spoken lyrics meld into an ethereal melody before dropping into a raw form that rings through the ears. Cook showcases their talent through some really pretty vocal runs towards the end of the track, before a metalcore breakdown with chugging guitars takes over.
Swing is a bouncy that track leans more towards a modern metal sound, with electronic distorted guitars and harmonic pick scrapes that have been made ever so popular recently by bands like SPIRITBOX. The are also some almost nu-metal feeling influences to this track in particular, specifically in the riffs used in the hooks.
Off The Map also introduces some new hip hop beats, contrasting with Cook‘s varied range. The variation in overall vibe of this album is really unexpected and a fun listening experience. One minute you’ve got straight metalcore paired with angelic harmonies, then some funky grooves and rap time signatures, ending with a brilliantly heavy breakdown. Being surprised by music in this day and age can be difficult, but FUTURE STATIC have shown it’s still possible. It would be hard to throw this band into one genre box, and maybe there lies why their appeal grows further and further across the globe.
The title track of the album brings an atmospheric soundscape that feels almost otherworldly. Flowing notes are paired with booming musicianship that takes you on a journey and keeps you wanting more. State Of Mind definitely hints at influences of the previously mentioned SPIRITBOX in the guitars but also the rhythms, but what makes FUTURE STATIC different are the almost gospel feeling cleans. You could imagine that these tracks in a live setting would feel very impactful and spiritual. Songs such as Waterworks also have a feel of the old DREAM STATE EPs, a combination of soaring vocal dynamism and alternative rock based around raw emotion.
Overall, FUTURE STATIC have created a collection of powerful songs that bridge the gap between unfiltered emotion and panoramic heaviness. Crushing yet ethereal, Ornaments & Memories will appeal to a vast range of alternative music fans and is sure to push the band into new spheres of listeners.
Rating: 8/10
Ornaments & Memories is out now via Wild Thing Records.
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