The Pitch: Perhaps the most promising new post-hardcore act around, Pennsylvania's The Drowned God, return with a sophomore effort with the support of Solid State Records. FFO: Touche Amore, Annakarina, Erlen Meyer
What I Like: There are few things more satisfying than seeing a promising young band start off as a self-promoting little seedling on Bandcamp and in just 2-3 years time blossom into a signed act act with full PR support. The Drowned God displayed so much potential with their modest 2015 EP The Ebony Void, and this clear talent only became more evident with the fantastic full length, Moonbearer. In my opinion, The Drowned God is the best post-hardcore group to hit the scene since Touche Amore. Honest, passionate, and highly evocative; I'll Always Be The Same continues the band's rapid rise to much deserved mass recognition. Layered compositions filled with moody basslines and somber post-rock guitars stir deep pools of melancholy, punctuated by raw howls of utter despair. Few bands can craft sour mood music that still manages to be so stirring and beautiful.
Critiques: I'm still in the process of giving this a few more listens, but I do feel a sense that this album falls just a notch short of its predecessor. I can't quite put my finger on why just yet.
The Verdict: Harlan Ellison once said, "I know that pain is the most important thing in the universes. Greater than survival, greater than love, greater even than the beauty it brings about. For without pain, there can be no pleasure. Without sadness, there can be no happiness. Without misery there can be no beauty. And without these, life is endless, hopeless, doomed and damned." I'll Always Be The Same feels like the perfect musical compliment to such a statement.
Flight's Fav's: Low In The Heavens, Catholic, Sorrow Came Without The Wind
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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