★★★½
Abandoned, the fourth studio album from Boston-based hardcore band Defeater, maintains the high standard of their earlier releases, and continues the story that began in their debut,Travels.
Allof Defeater’s music exists within this fictional landscape – the band has stated that nothing it creates will stray from this concept, which follows the violent struggles of a fictional New Jersey family.
It’s not until the 11th and final song, ‘Vice & Regret’, that Abandoned reaches its peak. Of course, this might be because Defeater have mastered the art of building tension on the way to heavy and complex finales. The closer features ridiculously fast drum work and gut-wrenching lyrics to make you feel nothing but hopelessness, echoed by the lyrics, “I am no-one, I am nothing”. Elsewhere, lead single ‘Spared In Hell’ is a good indication of the explosive guitars, roaring vocals and reckless drumming found on the rest of the album. However, despite being immaculately played and produced, there’s a sense of predictability to each track. A band as capable as this could surely push the envelope further.
Nonetheless, it’s awesome to see bands breaking the mould with releases that not only offer great music, but also take a unique stylistic approach.
Defeater‘s albumAbandonedis out now on Epitaph.
