The Pitch: Bay area post-black/post-hardcore stalwarts Bosse-De-Nage step up their game with a new album influenced by Exploits and Opinions of Dr. Faustroll, Pataphysician via The Flenser. FFO: Deafheaven, Touche Amore, The Drowned God
What I Like: I had some issues regarding the consistency of Bosse-De-Nage's previous album, All Fours. Even so I was certainly taken in by highlights like "All Night." Clearly this was a band that had what it takes to take home the gold if they only reach out and take it. Further Still is a big step in that direction. More uniform in quality and honing further on their greatest strengths, this album is a raw catharsis indeed. Once again, drummer Harry Cantwell steals the show. His highly frenetic approach to the kit has always been the biggest draw for me. The ridiculous pace at which he fires out blasts and fills, not to mention his marathon-level endurance to do so, is something only the superhuman should possess. With this as a major strength, the band makes the wise decision to stick to faster songs this time around. There are some well-placed detours here and there, but for the most part it's full steam ahead. And between the emotionally raw vocal delivery, rumbly bass (love that intro to "Down Here" btw), and soaring melody of the jangly guitar tremolos, this train is going to take you places.
Critiques: There's still plenty of room to step up the songwriting. The energy and emotion are there in spades, but songs don't stick in my mind much after they've passed. Get your hooks in me guys, I'm ready for it.
The Verdict: In keeping with the album title, Bosse-De-Nage have pushed themselves Further Still towards the pinnacle of their abilities. This release finds the band closer than ever to that peak, and with a little more emphasis on memorability in the future they should be planting a flag very soon.
Flight's Fav's: The Trench, Down Here, Crux
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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