Band: Intervals
Release: A Voice Within
Release Date: 4th March
Changing one’s sound is something quite common in the music industry, as no band ever seeks to release the same record twice, but these changes are never anything too drastic. In the case of Intervals, the Canadian outfit have changed a massive element in their sound. Previously instrumental, the band have introduced Mike Semesky on vocals; taking their sound onto a whole new level. With ‘A Voice Within’, Intervals are presenting fans with an infectious collection of nine songs that will unconsciously force you to rape that repeat button.
‘Ephemeral’ kicks things off with what can only be described as a typically metal melody, until the vocals step in. It’s not everyday one stumbles across a metal album which makes use of only clean vocals. The bridge is what makes this song even better than it already was, as Semesky sings “Say goodbye to the world as we knew it, to the eyes that couldn’t see. Now we’re dying, trying to find out what this life could mean.” Next up is ‘Moment Marauder’, a tune that picks the pace up, and makes things more interesting by closing the song with a funky keyboard solo.
‘The Self Surrendered’ is one of the longer songs on the album, but when listening to it you won’t even realise that it hits just over eight minutes. The song itself is quite paradoxical, as its general vibe is anthemic and pacey yet halfway in it gives you a moment to slow down with relaxed guitar strumming paired with the sound of cymbals and echoey vocals.
The ante penultimate ‘Atlas Hour’ is another long track that mixes well its strong riffs with softer vocals. The ending to this song is so beautifully done that when its ethereal melody faded out, I almost forgot that there were still a couple of songs to follow. The closing track, also the title track, is utterly catchy. In absolute Intervals fashion, it combines heavy riffs with a calmer atmosphere as the vocals roll back in. Though always quite slow, the bridges in this album are absolutely stunning, particularly in this track. There is a line in ‘A Voice Within’ that goes “we can’t help but admire its beauty”, which seems only fitting in this case.
Introducing vocals into an instrumental band is not necessarily easy, but these Toronto natives pull it off well and make it sound natural; like they were meant to be doing it all along. An absolutely smashing album, this is one you’ll be putting on repeat and telling all your friends about.
9/10
Reviewer: Santhi Weiss
