Architects - Daybreaker Review
Posted by Guest Writer on Mon, 11 Jun 2012.
Sam Carter – vocals
Tim Hillier-Brook – guitar
Tom Searle – guitar
Alex "Ali Dino" Dean – bass guitar
Dan Searle – drums
With Brighton's finest rockers, Architects, releasing their fifth album 'Daybreaker'. This release is simply by far, breathtaking. Looking back at their last album 'The Here and Now' in 2011, toning down the technical riffs and screaming in favour of more standard and melodic structures is a brave move. You could say it was a gamble as some fans criticized them for being too mainstream and too 'radio rock' but I personally feel the band where experimenting with their sound yet seemed out of their comfort zone. I personally found the album was captivating and has potentially widened their audience, which surely is what music is supposed do, am I right?
Looking at 'Daybreaker' they go back to their roots from their third album 'Hollow Crown', to the days of heaviness yet have a mature element focusing more on what is happening in society in their lyrics.
The opener to the album 'The Bitter End' sparkles into existence with harmonious pianos, bells and soft-spoken vocals but then evolves into rather powerful yet heavy hardcore sound near its close. On the face of it, it's a slow and abrasive entrance but there are underlying elements of subtlety and beauty. 'Alpha Omega' offers something different by the earth shaking riffs which compliment vocalist Sam Carter's powerful roar about the inquisitive power of religion, following up the chorus with smooth yet confident vocals over choppy yet complex guitar motifs.
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This leads onto one of my favorite tracks, 'These Colours Don't Run', which will be a mosh favorite at their upcoming performances. It develops from an eerie intro into spectacular song filler with interesting rhythms, manic riffs and powerful melodies. But what I find the biggest change with these lads is the lyrics, taking a step from the personal to the political side. With blunt messages on their views of society 'Life time slave, Living in a suburban grave ' it's possibly inviting accusations of capitalising on the recent political minefield. Yet the delivery of this song is enough to convince these guys scream about situations worth shouting about.
Next, 'Truth be Told', features powerful "chugs" and trench digging riffs, with such a beautiful harmonious piano at the beginning though, this highlights the beautiful sound this band can create. It still includes the complicated riffs and screaming but merges well together creating something stunning. 'Even if you win you're still a rat' features guest vocals from Oli Sykes (Bring Me the Horizon) alongside that of Carters, with the aggressive instrumental work creating a strong yet powerful song which carries into 'Outside Heart', maintaining that heavy approach.
'Behind the Throne' and 'Feather of Lead' are two tracks that sandwich 'Devil's Island'. With the hate filled subject of 'Devil's Island' inspired by the London Riots is complimented by the eerie composition of 'Behind the Throne' and the power brutality from 'Feather of Lead'. As you go through the album you find each of the tracks compliment those preceding and following making it more personal and well thought out.
The album comes to a close with the band's trademark emotional track with famous efforts from last releases such as 'Hollow Crown' and from their last album 'Heartburn'. These strong and meaningful songs are hard to follow but 'Unbeliever' comes as close as it can with the soothing sounds and angelic vocals and lyrics really being a perfect end to a phenomenal album and seeing this live will be truly exceptional.
As expected from Architects the album is full of incredible guitar work and drum parts with earth shattering vocals coated all over; it can only be described as a captivating listen which I feel is close to perfection. I personally enjoyed listening to 'Daybreaker' as I found it was very well rounded, and there was a wonderful feeling of ambience that lasts the entire record. This album truly highlights what these lads can really achieve and the mass domination this album will bring to them.
Review by Sami