Glitch delve deep into the audible atmosphere, utilizing technology and shimmering sounds with rumbling bass coated with ethereal vocals that float freely before being smacked down by aggravated screams and vicious snarls. Moody and powerful the tone is set differently on each track as they explore their possibilities with winding song progressions. The band's sonically challenging side can bring to mind acts such as Fear Factory and Apartment 26 with their usage of digestible aggro-industrial textures and electronic samples, but its combined with serious vocal power comparable to Prong and Professional Murder Music. Vocally Kyle speaks with a sullen quality that is vulnerable yet on the verge of its breaking point and as a result his vocals are quite unpredictable. Sometimes restrained and at others going straight for the jugular, the intonation he achieves is soothing and aggressive at the same time and has a melodic sensibility that keeps it smooth. Guitars are jarring with brutal distorted riffs that are ready to pounce when called upon, but for the most part are dipped in lush effect layered patterns. They focus on buildup and control and aren't afraid to take the backseat while another instrument pilots the song forward, some experimental effect coated noises are played but are at times hard to detect in the dense programming and visceral background noise that is laid down. Unfortunately at most times they aren't all that prevalent of a component in the bands sound due to the vivid electronic sounds constantly being toyed with, but when the songs lean to a riff based structure, the notes never miss a step and their power is unparalleled. Bass is a bit low and seems to come cloaked with effects at times, its definitely a departure from the riffage expected in band bassist James's other band Downset.. Solid and calm, the low end serves as a glue, strengthening the bond between the organic instruments and keeping a constant rumbling in place. Drums are programmed and as such they lack an evasive natural sound, but they are still varied and skilled enough to keep fans of percussion happy and their consistent nature and deviating sounds and tones give the band a one up as their dabbling in ambiance is kept on a strict guideline. A few guest turntable appearances are thrown in and are done with skill and an ambient technique that focuses on solid scratches and variation. By no means smothering, their inclusion is semi random and as such doesn't become stagnant. The band melds a multitude of sounds both earthly and electronic on this discs 4 tracks and show a generous helping of ability and variance, epic song structures and a clever usage of dynamics are weapons that are used thoroughly in the bands arsenal and for a debut, the myriad of intense sounds here are enormously impressive. Perhaps one thing that should be noted though is that as good as the songs are, they don't seem to have reached their full potential as of yet, but are quite close to doing so. Glitch enlighten the listener with a fresh perspective that combines a current metal style with electronic ideals, while at the same time testing their capacity for sonic intake. Sharp with emotion and packed with an ever shifting soundscape, this exuberant montage of sounds comes highly recommended for anyone into music rife with aural vivacity.
(4.5 / 5)