Arizing hail from the area of Michigan which as of late has become quite a hotbed for up and coming talent, and they definitely keep this reputation up with this demo. Sounding bitter and remorseful, the band mows through hectic parts and epic song structures with intricate changes. There's a great deal of instrumentation and influences engulfed into a melting pool of sorts that can go from ska, to emo to nu metal and just about everything else in no time flat. There's a charming quality to the sweeping range of styles in play that bind snugly within the decidedly upbeat music. Comparable a bit perhaps to Taproot meets a bit of 311 without the electronics and a less sifted approach, the groups inspirations shine through more clearly. Vocally subdued with aggression, there's an underlying current of irritation, yet it doesn't sound contrived or pissed off, it sounds warm and soothing while donning a somewhat cynical mask. Notes are held and words are spit out quite rapidly when called for, but surprisingly there isn't the basic template of heavy chorus, restrained vocals embossed here, instead there's a chunky mixed combination that feels rough and tranquil at the same time. Guitars are mature and varied, clean noted riffs clash with effect soaked sonic hikes that seem boundless in ideals, there's even a shade of speed metal/funk and other components involved that test the aural capacity of the listener while sowing the seeds of melody. Bass is friendly, featuring a more or less straight forward playing style that goes lengths to maintain the rhythm and drive while knowing its limits and handling itself within a modestly dropped tuning. Drums are prone to cause a riot with a tightly tuned snare that pings with each hit accentuated with an inherently high tuned kit that overall brings to mind a more conservative vision of John Stainer in his Helmet days. Each hit is spastically beat out with energy and although the playing style can feel a bit overstuffed, it still sounds educated. Focus on grooves, buildups and breakdowns are some of the bands favorite weapons, propelling the listener up with emotionally expressive croons before reversing direction with an aggravated chant, which in essence slams the listener into the dirt. Fiery yet soft the band has a great handle on dynamics and definitely does not write boring songs, there's many surprises along the way and a lot of dense compelling interludes within the tracks on this demo that tend to hook deeply with a passion and melody that retains a hypnotic quality. The only noticeable negative factor of this band is the constant changes and progressions in the songs sometimes don't flow in a completely cohesive manner and this could end up derailing more than a few listeners. Arizing couldn't have picked a better name, for with the talent and intelligent pieces of music the band has created here they easily elevate themselves above the usual suspects. Something about the band just hints that they will get increasingly better with each release, and with their recent signing to Medea Records one can expect the full length debut to pick up where this impressive demo left off.
(4 / 5)