Push
Sons of Alpha Centauri
Some Metalheads hate the forms of music created after the 90's, especially because the Grunge Rock and Alternative Rock became strong inspirations for what came after. This happened because music evolves from time to time, and some people can't evolve with it, preferring to be attached to the past than to go into the future. So to hear and understand some newer works would be a trial to them (but if we were in the 60's, such expressions would be a success, because the youth back then wasn't bound by hard conceptions). But even if one has an open mind, the work of the English band SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI isn't easy to be swallowed, as can be heard on "Push", the band's latest release.
The band's music is nasty and melodic at the same time, a combination of avant-garde/ambient metal with post-Hardcore, Doom Rock, Stoner Rock and post-Rock influences. To make things simple to be understood, one could say that they're a nasty and aggressive incarnation of OASIS mixed with the abrasive filthy sound that were usual to SOUNDGARDEN and with some experimental elements. It's an unconventional form of music, indeed, but's not bad at all. The album (their third one) was recorded by Lance Jackman, engineered and mixed by Dan Lucas, and mastered by Nick Zampiello. And their works reflects on a bitter and aggressive sonority, with an organic and filthy approach. But the band's musical and arrangements can be understood without problems.
Don't be afraid of dealing with "Push", because songs as "Get the Guns" (a nasty and noisy song based on a filthy approach mixed with melodies and melancholic vocals), the mix between Dream Rock and Shoegaze elements heard on "Listen" (fine harsh melodies mixed with a noisy work on the guitars), the nasty and noisy approach heard on "Push" (where some melancholic moments can be heard as well) and on "Boys and Girls" (the Alternative Rock influences can be heard on bass guitar and drums due the tempos that usual for the genre), and the weaving and charming melodies of "Dark Night". They're truly good, but unusual and hard to be swallowed by those with narrow minds.
For now, "Push" is just a fine release that celebrates the band's 20th anniversary, so give SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI a chance. It can be what you're looking for.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Push" Track-listing:
1. Get the Guns
2. Listen
3. The Enemy
4. Push
5. Buried Under
6. Boys and Girls
7. Saturn
8. Dark Night
9. Own
Sons of Alpha Centauri Lineup:
Jonah Matranga - Vocals
Marlon King - Guitars
Nick Hannon - Bass
Mitch Wheeler - Drums
Stevie B - Drums
Blake - Electronics
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