★★★★
Too soon? That, to paraphrase Hamlet, was the question: whether it was nobler in the minds of Sydney’s Northlane to suffer the slings and arrows of internet outrage in order to continue on with a new vocalist and a new outlook.
With Node, their third LP, now out in the world, it could be argued Northlane needed to undergo this adversity and change in order to adapt, evolve and subsequently thrive the way they have. Thriving is Node’s business – the widescreen angst of standout number ‘Leech’ threatens to make it the single best song Northlane have put to record, while the progressively minded title track offers up a solid argument in favour of new kid Marcus Bridge being the exact right man for the job, showcasing both his exceptional clean vocals and his dramatically improved screaming.
A furthered emphasis on cloudy ambience and soundscapes, too, adds a pleasant touch and a bright contrast to the mathematically precise instrumentation that the band has long since made its touchstone.
Northlane’s Node is available through UNFD.
