Whatever the genre or style of a piece of music, something that always rings true is the fact that effective use of contrast is always valuable if you want to create something striking. Alternative and unique soundscapes also tend to intrigue and captivate the most, and what you get with this EP from alt-rockers a truth called nothing is a fine mash-up of all of this.
Beginning with the evolutionary journey of Passing Between Inquiries, the band utilize creative freedom to drive with absolute unpredictability. What begins as a reverb-soaked, lo-fi, near-shoe-gaze synth-pop offering, later grows to become a much grittier, more crisp and hard-hitting bit of alternative rock. There are threads involved, but they’re far less common or familiar than you tend to find in most music.
As the project continues, the voices become a definite thread – though eclectic throughout, you start to recognise the style and tone. It’s OK leads on with this now noticeable trait. The song itself fuses a hint of Bowie with something far more Depeche Mode-like. It builds up and up, the passion is immense, and that rising strength and again the band’s superb use of contrast lets the journey really engage and captivate the listener. Fascinating lyrics and a complex, genuinely new melody work in unison to keep a level of relatable, poetic humanity at the forefront of the song. A definite highlight from the EP in full – emotionally loaded, musically intense and mesmerizing.
Mental Darkness pours through with lyrics first and an industrial-style beat. This march of a song presents a clear-cut selection of ideas and an initially less melodic ambiance that lets the thoughts hit hard. A hint of Muse emerges, the rising hook section again contrasts heavily with what came before. Long-form melody-lines once more create a theatrical sense of development – as does the fall away to an acoustic, string-led moment of quiet; and the subsequent rise back to the full-throttle weight of the song’s peak.
Core sees the band settle into a distinctly melodic, thoughtful ambiance, undoubtedly lo-fi once more but with swirls of softly psychedelic detail to help make this a distinctly calming and later uplifting experience. Clarity comes through during the latter half and the vocal melody reaches a mesmerizing peak. Occasionally you wish the voice was a little closer – a live show would almost certainly let these lyrics and the passion connect in a whole new way. The final moments are awesome and give the song a huge anthem feel, quickly propelling it to become yet another definite highlight.
a truth called nothing are a collection of creatives who undoubtedly craft their tracks with a certain sense of freedom and a desire to simply express the inexpressible. While there are hints of influence throughout, the journey in full is unlike anything else you’re likely to have witnessed. Massive encapsulates this essence well and brings the project to a close with a bang. Delicate moments are juxtaposed brilliantly by infectious, energizing hits of rhythm and weight. Another lyrically hypnotic piece with a great energy about it.
A second listen to the EP in full actually finds you shifting around between favourites. There’s a lot to appreciate about this writing and this creative freedom, and the more you revisit the playlist, the more you notice. A refreshing change in direction, well worth exploring.
Stream the EP on Spotify. Visit the band’s Website for more information. Find & follow them on Facebook.
