EP REVIEW: Beasts Of A Future Decay – Design Flaw
Washington DC-based band DESIGN FLAW release their debut EP Beasts Of A Future Decay this week and it is a must-listen for all fans of metalcore and progressive rock. Described as post-hardcore, the quartet gain inspiration from alternative music icons of the 00s and early 2010s, particularly from bands like GLASSJAW and DEFTONES – this is something that comes through extremely clearly in this body of work.
The record itself is heavy yet still manages to cater to those among us who prefer otherwise. This is done through the use of clean, glassy guitars that allow the tracks to soar. They are layered very heavily on top of one another, yet the band have hit a sweet spot in which they all complement each other, and nothing feels out of place. The drums, while not particularly prevalent in the mix, use grooves that are otherwise not seen in metal tracks, and they propel each track forward. This, paired with the consistent nature of the basslines, creates a rhythm section that drives each track forward with such a force that you will simply be left asking yourself: “how?!”. The vocals layered on each track are the perfect, compelling mix between clean and screams. This helps to switch each track up and keep the flow of the EP interesting – no element ever seems stale because the band quite simply do not give it the chance.
Lead single Ghost proves to be the standout track among those on the EP. It begins with an atmospheric synth and driving bassline that automatically transports the listener to a space unlike any other. It feels ethereal. Clean, crisp drums create a beat that does not overpower the melodic elements of the track, like most others in the genre often do. The hypnotic vocals do nothing but add to the spacious feel of the track with a multitude of layered harmonies. This all comes crashing down in a crescendo that is filled with powerful and emotive screams. We can truly hear the force that is put behind them.
Beasts Of A Future Decay is an extremely impressive debut from DESIGN FLAW. Coming in at an extremely short four tracks, the band make up for length in content, instead choosing to home in on and improve the elements that make these tracks great. This is a shame in some cases because the listening experience seems entirely too short, despite the longer length of the tracks themselves. It is a deeply personal release, and we should all feel grateful that these four humans are willing to share their experiences of the search for balance between calm and chaos in the way that they have.
Rating: 8/10
Beasts Of A Future Decay is out now via self-release.
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