Deftones "Ohms" (2020)

Deftones is a band that I got into very reluctantly, their sound didn't strike me as appealing the first couple listens, only a few months after I originally listened to Koi No Yokan I realised how genius their sound is and became entranced by it, their recent release of Ohms was more of what I already loved by the Nu Metal band. 

This record pulled me in with sludgy guitar and beautifully emotional vocals in the form of screams, this combination creating a gravitational force, like being thrown about in a sea of sound. This push and pull mechanic between the low distorted 8 string guitar and ethereal vocals makes sure this band never tires. This feeling is most beautifully shown in "Urentia" the third song on this record, it begins with a heavy assaulting riff, preparing you for a giant breakdown. Instead this song steers hard in the other direction going for a tender whimsical sound, later the opening riff begins but it holds an entirely different power, with some pop influences on chords. Suddenly the groups' main dynamic isn't contradicting at all, the vocals and sludgy guitar twirling around and perfectly complimenting each other, an odd balance in a stormy ocean of sound.

Something this record does more than any music I've listened is reach beyond, it is no longer just sound, the emotional pull between glimmering vocals and tugging sensation of the albums heavier aspects really do make it feel like you're in a whirlpool, Ohms is a delicate equilibrium. The sound holds their power in tension, like slacklining on a thread that could snap at any second.

9/10

 Bears In Trees "I Want to Feel Chaotic" (2020)

Listening to this EP has given me some inspiration and motivation to write again so hi there! Bears In Trees is one of those bands that I didn't appreciate enough upon first encounter, yes Ramblings of a Lunatic was an incredible song but I didn't bother to look further than that until recently and when I did I wasn't disappointed by what I found, the British band has several EPs full of intricate songs with huge Dodie, Cavetown and The Front Bottoms influences, fun vocal runs being supported well by drums and guitar.

I Want to Feel Chaotic is my favourite EP from the band's discography so far. It is also their first record under the Counter Intuitive label and Bears In Trees delivered. Weighing in at 5 songs and 16 minutes of listening time it feels a bit short yet these songs all tell a story. Coming to terms with your own being, personality and the loss of close friends are all a part of theme of the record, it manages to clear up all the fog in your mind, the sound striking your bones and soul. 

Like mentioned before, the band has taken great influence from Dodie, Cavetown, The Front Bottoms and more, with clean guitar vocal runs, harmonies and fun drums their sound never feels overwhelming, creating the mind clearing experience I talked about above. It's not all whimsical though, the hooks remain fun, energetic and stick in your head urging you to dance and sing-along in your bedroom. Overall they sound like what a cold starry night looks and feels like.

My words really can't do this EP justice, plus my rustiness in writing these subjective reviews make it so I feel like there are things missing here, but oh well!

8/10