Release
date: May
11th
2018.
Label: Candlelight
Records/UMG.
Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
The
Band From Beyond
– Tracklisting
Invocation
The
Fall to Earth
Blooming
Sun
The
Slip
Lost
Way
The
Color Into Space
The
Color Out of Space
11:59
At
Midnight
Laura
Machine
Gun
White
Marble
Black
Mirror
Synthetic
Skin (Part 1)
Members
Rob
- Guitars, Vocals, Synthesizers
Dave
- Guitars, Effects
Brooks
- Bass, Synth, Vocals
Anthony
- Drums, Vocals
Review
Greetings All,
It is always exciting
to check out a band’s debut album. Then there is another level of
excitement when that band delivers a record of completely mind
shattering brilliance. So, is the case with the debut album by From
Beyond. The record is a rocking, synth heavy marvel that pays homage
to a bunch of different styles and influences while being uniquely
original. There is also a very cool, and not so subtle, wink and a
nod to the beloved Netflix. The last statement is something that I
was fairly certain I would never, ever have written in a record
review, but alas. The band bio notes that they are from Austin,
Texas, however, I would have assumed they were from some distant
smoky planet comprised of vintage amps and synths and a large
satellite dish that fed all the wonders of Netflix to a strange and
enlightened group.
The Band From Beyond is
comprised of 14 killer tunes. The record is excellently played and
beautifully recorded. The vibe you feel from listening to this album
is intriguing and intense. There are tons of well performed records
released every year, but there is only a select few that carry this
certain vibe. I honestly listened to this album on repeat for the
better part of a week and it just doesn’t get old, as I hear
something new and intriguing with each listen.
To be honest with you,
I am not a big fan of synthesizers. 70’s prog, 80’s new wave,
90’s industrial really does nothing for me. However, From Beyond
have done a stellar job of using the synthesizers the way that I
assume they were intended. They are a part of the songs, and they add
to the power of each one. I challenge you not to smile to yourself
when you get thrown into the land of Stranger Things at various times
while listening.
While the synth is a
major factor on the album, it is worth noting that all parts are of
the highest regard. There is some absolutely killer guitar and bass
work here, along with some massive drums. I will invoke this
sentiment again moving forward, but I challenge you not to catch some
Queens of the Stone Age/Dave Grohl – Songs for the Deaf style
drumming, it is amazing. The vocals are also noteworthy. There is
something to be said for the vocals fitting perfectly with the music
and From Beyond nail it throughout The Band From Beyond.
On to the songs,
Invocation is a brief synth intro that leads directly into the
killer, chugging riff that is the foundation of The Fall to Earth.
The band brings the heavy right away, which is a great move. Blooming
Sun follows with a driving rhythm that is eerily reminiscent of
QOTSA and the song also has some slick guitar work of note. The
Slip opens with a Cars like synth intro before those wicked drums
drive this immensely catchy track with a little woo-hoo refrain
thrown in to boot.
Lost Way comes
in with a synthetic late era Nine Inch Nails inspired drum beat that
carries this dark, down tempo track. The darkness continues on the
brief interlude of The Color In to Space, which is a dark,
Stranger Things inspired lead in to The Color Out of Space. This
song has an absolutely methodical and rocking riff that lays under
some very Sabbath inspired vocals. A killer track. 11:59
follows as another synth driven interlude. Then comes At Midnight
with a very stoner rock inspired groove ala the early sound of
another Texas band, The Sword. The synths are replaced or reworked
into a driving 70’s organ sound that fits the song beautifully. The
bassist gets some love on the inspired, Laura,
with its big bass intro and bass solo that keep this record moving in
the right direction.
Machine Gun is
up next. Dammit if I didn’t get hit with a bit of 80’s era Sonic
Youth nostalgia with this one. It is a killer track with a scream
along chorus of “One Eyed Jack, One Eyed Jack” that will find its
way into the earworm part of your brain. White Marble is an
acoustic guitar based interlude that gives way to the most epic of
tracks on the album. The stellar Black Mirror comes with a
dizzying level of power. The heaviest track on the album delivers in
spades with an almost Alice In Chains style vocal delivery.
The record comes to a
close with the dark synth outro of Synthetic Skin (part 1).
It is a shame, but all good things must come to an end.
In
a year that has so far been dominated by killer albums from bands
with established resumes (Corrosion of Conformity, Fu Manchu, Monster
Magnet, Black Rainbows to name a few) From Beyond has come storming
from the great beyond with an absolute rocking gem. Do yourself a
favor track this record down. Highest possible recommendation!
- Todd S
Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou
Words by Todd Stealey
Thanks
to Carl at Action! PR for the promo. The Band From Beyond will be
available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Candlelight Records/UMG from
May 11th 2018.
Links:
