Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 18/03/2016Label: The Mylene Sheath
Over the course of their 10 year existence, Seattle’s Heiress have
crafted a sound that fuses the mathematical approach of Harkonen, the weighty
post-hardcore of These Arms Are Snakes and hints of metallic hardcore bruisers,
Earth Crisis. All of these elements are still present on new LP “Made Wrong”
but new, quieter influences are now also making their presence felt. “Made Wrong” is a real progression for Heiress
and definitely their strongest showing to date. It sees the band tighten their
songwriting prowess and widen their sonic palette without losing sight of what
made them great in the first place.
“Made Wrong” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1.
“Clearing”
2. “Remains”
3. “Lasts”
4. “Skinning”
5. “Made Wrong”
6. “Cruel Calm”
7. “Endure”
2. “Remains”
3. “Lasts”
4. “Skinning”
5. “Made Wrong”
6. “Cruel Calm”
7. “Endure”
The Review:
Dialling back the heaviness is a risky move that can often
yield powerful results. Over the course of their 10 year existence, Seattle
Brisk opener “Clearing”
provides an effective reminder of the band’s capabilities before events take a
different course over the rest of the album. Heiress’ aggressive approach is
still evident throughout, but tempered by sections of intricate melody. This
takes the form of spiky, Slint-style guitar lines in the menacing “Lasts” or taut post-punk/emo figures,
reminiscent of Self
Defense Family, in “Remains”
and “Skinning”. The post-rock
influences, hinted at on previous releases, are allowed free reign on the title
track, widening the scope of the band’s attack without dulling the edges.
Most unexpected is closing track “Endure”. Slowly unfurling over 8 minutes, Heiress craft a restrained epic.
John Pettibone’s vocals barely rise above a whisper yet still remain commanding
over the band’s hazy, intoxicating backdrop. The overall effect is strangely
entrancing, like Deftones and Bardo Pond trapped in a cave, shorn of
distortion.
This more considered approach has not come at the detriment
of riffs. True, there may be less present than expected but their blunt impact
is now enhanced due to tactical deployment, providing violent contrast with the
periods of calm.
“Made Wrong” is a
real progression for Heiress and definitely their strongest showing
to date. It sees the band tighten their songwriting prowess and widen their
sonic palette without losing sight of what made them great in the first place.
Hopefully this album will bring them some much deserved attention, after 10
years of being an underappreciated gem, it’s time for people to sit up and take
notice.
