Butcher Babies blends their quality mix of metal, hard rock, and sentimental atmospheres on their new album, Nightbloom (Judge & Jury Records), releasing Friday, Oct. 2.
There are electronic elements that are sequenced in such a way as to shine a light above the mix, and rhythmic complexities that border on the progressive tendencies of djent, without going so far as to be overtly complex for the sake of showing off technical skill.
They avoid flashy pitfalls by centering the compositions on the songwriting itself over everything else, which allows the music enough breathing room to be more than the sum of its parts.
While there’s magic in the vocal range, perfection in the guitar solos, and riffs for days, every song on this record felt like a roller coaster ride—full of danger so well calculated I’d forget that the danger is all imagined.
Opening with “Lost In Your Touch,” Butcher Babies starts things off with a question rooted in resentment. The dynamic range takes us from the atmospheric intro to the metal onslaught of the chorus. The lyrical theme questions the ending of one relationship and longing for what was, tainted by the subject having moved on with another. Machine gun double bass kicks juxtaposed with rests that feel like you may actually break the surface and come up for air, making this feel like a war of attrition.
The record continues with “Sincerity” and “Blame It On The Wind,” both of which feel like spiteful reactions to the breakdown of a relationship.
“Sincerity” starts off with the aggression right in your face while “Blame It On The Wind” opens with softer atmospheric elements, before the breakdown brings the sort of crunch that shatters teeth. Both feel like anthems in the choruses with guitar solos that fit so well into the mix, that they serve the song well enough to not take away from it.
“Broken & Beautiful” is an up-tempo track that celebrates both conditions. There’s electronic elements here that really stood out to me. The second verse drops the distorted instruments for an electronic beat that blends so well I’m left wanting more. There’s more electronics that are used in such impressive ways.
“Are You Waiting Up?” has a sequencer that shimmers above the mix, with 1/16 notes that carry the song such ferocity that blends everything in electronic pop that makes you want to dance with the raw hostility of a quality metal band.
“Black Cloud Over Georgia” is my favorite composition on this record, as the lyrical presentation reminds me of the quality songwriting of old school country artists. The general vibe brought to you by lyrics that prompt imagery is done carefully and well enough to be memorable. It has the pull and allure of an American pastoral with distorted guitars.
Another piece of songwriting that pulled me in is found on “Leaving California.” The bridge drops everything, minus piano and vocals, establishing a lovely atmosphere, before we’re returned to the grit of their signature sound.
“Black Dove” concludes the record with unparalleled rage. The chorus goes hard, but the second verse goes harder, which I didn’t think was possible. With a lyrical focus on growth and rebellion, the ending is so definitive and resentful that my own anger is channeled.
The production work of Howard Benson is magic, here. Every element of this record serves the overall song. Nothing is held above anything else, even guitar solos that would shine above it on other records are placed in the mix with such precision that it all fits together without flaw or complication. I felt as though the production was the journey that resides above destination.
Butcher Babies put together a quality record that is absolutely worth a spin.
Tracklist
1. Lost in Your Touch
2. Sincerity
3. Blame It on the Wind
4. Broken and Beautiful
5. Are You Waiting Up?
6. Black Clouds Over Georgia
7. Fever in My Neck
8. Songbird
9. Leaving California
10. Black
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Tour Dates
Butcher Babies is:
Heidi Shepherd – vocals
Henry Flury – guitars
Dave Nickles – drums
Sean Violet – bass
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