ALBUM REVIEW: Pull – Sons Of Alpha Centauri

Following on from their 2021 release Push, SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI return once more with their brand new full-length record, Pull. As implied by the title of the album, the band seek to pick up where they left off previously, further exploring the sounds and stylistic choices they had experimented with, and expanding upon them in ways that aim to feel far more intricate and grandiose.

The album is marked by its cohesive sound that leans heavily into alternative metal and hard rock; walls of fuzzy guitars crash down around the listener whilst percussion thumps away with rocking rhythms that beg to be blasted from your car speakers. The vocals from Jonah Matranga have a real classic rock feel about them, with a raw power that places them front and centre of the track whenever they appear.

Ephemeral packs gritty guitar riffs that drive the track forwards during the verses, before unfurling into glittering choruses, kicking the album off in good form. Ease features a crackling bass line that easily snags your attention, whilst the rest of the track thunders by with crashing, swaying rhythm that constantly circles the listener in a claustrophobic manner.

Tetanus Blades acts as a bristling, brooding slow burner, decorated with droning guitar riffs, and is the most unique of the songs on this album; the core ideas of Pull are drawn out and stretched into the form of a weary and melancholy anthem, working perfectly with the simple instrumental palette of the album.

Unfortunately, much of this album lacks any real notable variety. Songs bleed into one another in a muddy blur of well-performed but somewhat repetitive music; by keeping the core of the album focused on guitar, bass and drums, the band do create a cohesive listen, but at the cost of any of the tracks truly standing out.

Even the manner in which the tracks are produced and mixed has left little bite or edge in the music; it also sounds a little too polished to be raw, but not polished enough to sound expansive and sprawling. Nothing pops with any real energy, leaving the tracks often feeling shallow and tame.

It is clear that SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI are very accomplished musicians, yet when listening to Pull, you can’t help but wish that the band did something a little more creative and genuinely interesting. Regardless, it would be incorrect to say that this is a bad album; for fans of the grungier side of alternative metal, this is certain to appeal, and is absolutely worth the listen. For those seeking something a little more flashy and progressive, perhaps give this record a miss.

Rating: 6/10

Pull is out now via Exile On Mainstream.

Like SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI on Facebook.