REVIEW: Senses Fail - 'Renacer'
With new members on board, Senses Fail reinvents what was once an
established sound for the New Jersey five-piece. It's no surprise when the
title translated from Spanish to English means 'to be reborn' then, but that's not
eleven years down the drain, this is a band starting a new chapter. From the
first page, opening title track rips through as a rampage of anger and power,
with the mightiest drums and tense guitars for the intro, it clenches onto a
redefined sound that furthers throughout the twelve tracks. Generating a
heavier record for their new found identity in contrast to much earlier
material off 'Still Searching' and 'Let It Enfold You', both of which went down
the route of punk rock and tested the waters with post-hardcore elements; this
fifth album boasts an alternative metal side instead.
'Holy Mountain' erupts with stormy beat downs and primal guitars blasted
amongst vocalist Buddy Nielsen's howls, all before an unpredictable and
seriously melodic chorus that more or less screams that Senses Fail are here,
they're heavy and most importantly, they're free to run wild. That escaped
attitude shines through 'The Path' and 'Canine' which in fact have intro's that
probably blew the roof off when being recorded. Catering to this darker side
which is crystal clear in track 'Closure/Rebirth' has the potential to be a
film soundtrack, think adventure-horror-thriller. 'Ancient Tombs' helps to
hypnotise listeners, what is expected from this album is the repeat button being
furiously pressed by fans who have appreciated Senses Fail from day uno to
those only just turning their heads towards Buddy and co.
On paper, this album has no small print or hidden agenda, Senses Fail in
fact are in for a year that will see this album as one all fans will turn too
and fellow bands will wish they had written. 'Snake Bite' is the ink that
flows, bursting and flourishing with a perfected sound, staining and marking
everything it comes in contact with. Closing track 'Between The Mountains And
The Sea' is the beautifully delicate piece that when juxtaposed with the other
eleven tracks should technically not fit in, but rather it compliments an album
as a great one. Brillante trabajo ( brilliant work) Senses Fail!
Words: Jenny Chu
