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| Watercolor by Santos. |
Apparently Irata has been around since 2007 but I've never come across their name until now. Also, from what I hear, they've gone through some evolution through math-y and fusion realms to reach the point they're at now. While it would be interesting to dig into those formative albums preceding this monster 2019 offering, Tower there's enough right here to keep you entertained. If I had to play my hand early on what Tower is all about I'd say "immersive heavy rock fused together with a slight 90s alternative vibe, pop sensibilities, and a tendency toward progressiveness kept in check by a thunderous foundation."
What does that mean? It means Jon Case (bass/vocals), Jason Ward (drums/vocals/synth) and guitarists Cheryl Manner and Owen Burd gather together a variety of styles and feelings, molding them into one of 2019's brightest shining gems.
The title track gets things started with a chugging force meeting bright slices of light (more on that later) shaded by the accessibility of a band like Torche, vocally at least. This song is relatively short. The themes and general feeling are further expanded upon throughout the album. The key word here is "feeling". Irata make you FEEL the whole time. "Waking Eye" is a good example. The chorus gets right into your soul, screaming guitars bite into a swirl of motion amid proggy riffs, and you're taken home by a controlled freakout at the end. The instrumental portion, something Irata does very well, comes with full spectrum dynamics and an enveloping and penetrating essence. A soothing bassline anchors melodic vocals and guitars during one of the album's quieter moments and gives it a somewhat Tool-like impression. That's not the only time Tool comes to mind either. Also, sometimes you could lift a riff from this and plop it into a Mastodon song and it would fit right in. The surrounding parts give Irata their own identity though.
"Crawl to Corners" really plays into the feeling of light with the guitars. There's a sense or a vision of light filtering through a canopy of trees and clouds, or sparkling upon moving water. It feels like life and growth, a counter to the mournful trumpet that opens the track. However, when they move into crushing mode the darkness comes swiftly.
Closer "Constellations" features those smooth vocals (quite common throughout), sweet bass and incredible groove. It captures a sense of space. Not just the space with the stars but openness and size. The opposite of oppressing even when they hammer the listener with a concentrated attack. It also feels like being thrust forward with all things passing by in a blur but the impressions left and clear and welcome.
Overall the album feels very put together. There's an effortless technicality in the way the guitars weave together on different paths which makes them hit that much harder when everyone comes together. I'm sure there was plenty of effort involved but it flows so well that the listener at least doesn't have to try hard to enjoy it.
It's a beautiful album. "Weightless" is my favourite example. It's 4:20 long and that was probably what time it was when I first heard it if you take my meaning. Vocals soar over crunchy riffs while taking you to the clouds. The whole song makes you feel alive and weightless indeed. It is, as stated on the track, "...so beautiful. So goddamn beautiful!"
Tower is simply captivating. Irata manage to bring a heaviness together with beauty, catchiness, and emotion in a way that feels transcendent. It lifts the listener up, puts them through a range of emotions and leaves them to experience the album from their own angle. I've found myself spellbound and on the verge of overwhelmed. It's a powerful album that leaves a varied and deeply satisfying impression. You won't be disappointed.
