ALBUM REVIEW: Paradise – Oberst

Hardcore is, and arguably always has been, more than just the three chords and fast drum beats that have become the genres calling card. With bands like CONVERGE first proving that hardcore has more to offer than anyone ever once believed, fast-forward to 2020 and post-hardcore is producing some of the most vibrant and vital bands in the world at the moment. It’s a wonderful thing to witness, and it’s even more wonderful when you turn around to look at the crop of fresh young talent making the steps towards breaking out of their underground towards wider success. OBERST are one such band, breaking out of their native Norway with their debut release Paradise, a sprawling sonic first impression that really seeks to make as much an impact as possible throughout it’s run time.

OBERST take the pretty route as opposed to out right bludgeoning the listener like so many of their counterparts and contemporaries. The fiddly lead lines leap across the fretboard and create interesting melodies that take centre stage on tracks like Fiends and Dreambeast. These guitar lines make up the majority of the real enjoyment found within Paradise, and as the rumbling bass provides a great platform for the rest of the band, the guitar work really shines through as the hero of this story.

There is a certain sense that OBERST, and Paradise as a result, feel quite one dimensional. The vocal delivery set firmly at the loud end of the spectrum, making any real nuance to the performance feel shallow and non-existence. Once again, it is the interesting guitar work that sits in the background that takes most of the listeners attention. This isn’t to say that triumphant moments don’t exist, Snakes is a biting and evolving song that has as much scathing hardcore in it’s DNA as it does black metal, musical moments akin to the atmospheric repetition that Norway became famous for before the church burnings.

There is a lot to take in throughout Paradise. With it being a debut, OBERST seem intent on truly asserting themselves as a band that wants to be taken seriously. With so much going on, there does feel like a lack of focus, but even here this is outweighed by the sheer talent and musical writing ability on display. Finesse is needed, but a band with a complete sound on their debut  is a rarity indeed. What is important is the passion and the intent, something that Paradise has in droves.

With so much on display, there is a chance for a lot of Paradise to be overlooked. OBERST have done wonderfully in placing themselves firmly on the list of bands to watch out for, as the guitar work, song structure, and burning passion present on this record allude to a band that could evolve into something truly glorious. For now, OBERST control a strong position for themselves, with an album of strong material to tour, and a firm base from which to streamline and develop their sound.

Rating: 7/10

Paradise is out now via Indie Recordings.

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