There comes a time in every person’s life when they have to take a step back and ask themselves “Why am I here?” and “What is my purpose?” Sadly, some of us never find the answer to those questions and others, well, just sort of fall into their destiny. In the case of The Subtle Way, these California boys were just born to rock and that’s exactly they do. This six piece post-core project out of Fremont, CA is offering up a bevy of brutally brilliant songs that will ignite your bones, and have you punch-dancing out your inner rage in no time. Thus Far, The Channels Speak is a well-delivered melodic maelstrom of catchy vocals, maniacal guitar riffs, and seductive synth work that, when combined, form a sound that is sure to slingshot this project into the scene with little resistance.
From the minute you hit the play button on your stereo, you are in for a treat. It’s like I said, these boys seem like they were born for this. They unleash a constant wave of music that is delivered flawlessly at breakneck speeds, and as you move through the album it really opens up and shows its range. Right from the start, track two has a strong post-core/screamo feel to it with a lot of melody, fast paced guitar riffs, and a big chorus; whereas track three offers up a heavier, more feral sound, which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed. The contrast is subtle, yet very present, and I promise that’s just the beginning, my friends.
Track four “The Breath And The Breathing” and track eight “The Archer And The Alibi” are both really great songs. Although both songs kind of reminded me of We Came As Romans, they were still unique and very well put together. The synth work in track four is trippy, and the breakdowns in both these songs hit harder then a gut-punch from Tyson. They both offer up fantastic guitar work and bewitching melodies that should definitely be enjoyed at octaves exceeding your neighbors comfort level.
Now pay attention, boys and girls, because this is where it really gets interesting. In tracks six and seven, you see a side of The Subtle Way that you won’t be expecting. Switching directions on you quick, these boys go heavy and I must say they do it well. This is where you really see their diversity and understanding of the genres in which they are drawing from, delivering blasting riffs and gut wrenching vocals with an ease that almost insinuates they might be better suited in a heavier genre. The vocals are enticing, yet inhuman, and meaner than a Great White getting ass-slapped by a seal. The guitar work is bone crushing, explosive, and is sure to leave your panties in a wad.
The Subtle Way go from post-core/screamo to death core with a precision of which I have never witnessed. They have a range that most can only dream of, and a sound more versatile than Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. This is truly an album for the masses. Thus Far, The Channels Speak offers up something for everyone. Every metal fan, screamo fan, death core fan, and hardcore fan is sure to find multiple tracks on this album that they will thoroughly enjoy. These boys are breaking new ground and bustin’ skulls along the way, and I insist that everyone give this CD a spin!
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