Having managed to maintain their meteoric ascent from the viral fame of ‘Holy Roller’ and debut LP Eternal Blue, to sold out shows across North America and Europe, a new sonic offering is now here – The Fear of Fear, out 3rd November via Rise Records/ Pale Chord.
The Canadian alt metal outfit have managed to dominate the scene over the last few years, with a fascinating blend of different sounds that utilises the acrobatic vocals of Courtney LaPlante and creative riffs of guitarist and husband Mike Stringer. 2021’s Eternal Blue did achieved mountains more than any band could hope for on a debut album, clocking up over 244 million streams – a testament to the sheer talent and raw appeal that the band exude.
After a few singles in 2022 brought a more experimental sound in front of listeners, Spiritbox look to progress by refining their core sound, as seen on album Eternal Blue. Opener ‘Cellar Door’ is immensely heavy and could comfortably wear the crown for spiritual successor for ‘Holy Roller’. Beginning with a spidery rhythm on the guitars and drums, the band drops the floor from under the listener, before Courtney LaPlante enters with delay-soaked screams that could incite a wrestling match with a bear.
“Huge breakdowns, massive drum hits and riffs so disgusting only a thorough scrub could remove the nastiness”
A massive down-tuned chorus follows, with an atmosphere that will foster evil thoughts in the mosh pits of future shows. Fans will be happy to know that this is not the only example of brutality across these six tracks. ‘Angel Eyes’ will also cause some swinging elbows and wicked grins in the audience, with huge breakdowns, massive drum hits and riffs so disgusting only a thorough scrub could remove the nastiness.
In opposition to this force of nature comes the other half of the band’s sound. Through vintage synths and soothing vocal lines, ‘Too Close/ Too Late’ follows the sound carved out by previous fan favourites like ‘Secret Garden’ from the band’s previous work. ‘The Void’ is a groovy detour into the outside influences that the band have and is a nice change of pace against the usual sound.
These converging rivers of sound, though distinct, eventually flow into the same sea, mixing to form the makeup of The Fear of Fear. While it won’t blow any minds, the EP provides for a well-rounded, fulfilling listen that reflects the progress the band have made since their 2017 debut and lays the foundation for what they might jump to next.