Benjamin Hacking
Delving into a new era for the Manchester band, My Only Solution marks the Halloween period with their latest album Glassedhouse. Right from the opener, My Only Solution makes it clear that the themes and concept for the album aren’t merely a gimmick, but rather the lifeblood of the entire project. ‘Start:Stop’ acts as a primer to the world of Glassedhouse as it introduces the first song of the record ‘Open Palms’ with the satisfying clicks of a tape recorder. This desire to both bring the listener into their created world whilst also packing the album full of ear candy really sets the standard as My Only Solution inject every sense of character they can into what is so clearly a true passion project.
Exploring the difficulties of mental health, internal struggles and intrusive thoughts, My Only Solution invite the listener into a hotel of their own creation as they take them through each haunting room and corridor with each brilliant track. Giving Overlook Hotel a run for its money, the atmosphere the band manage to create throughout the album is truly incredible.
Combining this eery backdrop with an abundance of brutal guitar riffs, driving basslines and some incredibly engaging rhythmic sections, Glassedhouse is My Only Solution at their very best, putting out a delightfully hook-infused metal album that is a great showcase of their musical talents. While this new record undoubtedly shows off some of the bands heaviest music to date in delightfully vicious tracks such as ‘Burn’ and ‘Embers’, it also displays some beautifully poignant tracks like ‘Bridges’ which takes a step back as the band flex their atmospheric muscles in a chilled manner akin to legends like Deftones.
When it comes down to individual tastes however, there is the possibility that the closing track ‘Maybe (The End)’ could have gone even further with the climactic feels, leaning into a bigger wall of spacey sound. It really is a great track that brings the album to a satisfying conclusion – but when looking at albums as good as this, you do unfortunately have to be picky when it comes to the elite levels of listeners’ favour.
Ultimately Glassedhouse is a fantastic album that elevates My Only Solution to a much greater level, likely bringing with it an entirely new fanbase to join their already established Manchester following. As the year’s end nears, and music listeners around the country start to reflect on the year of musical releases, Glassedhouse is an incredible statement from upcoming band My Only Solution that is sure to upset many a list. You simply must check this album out.