Karnivool deliver raw humanity and refined musicianship across their first album in over 12 years.
Of the 12-and-a-half-year gap between Karnivool albums, one Vooligan posted:
“July 2013 Asymmetry was released…. In that time, I built a house, got married and had two kids, both of which are now in primary school. C’mon now!!”
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The Perth legends have been toiling in the studio, pinning sounds down and wrestling them into shape – determined to maintain their exacting standards and ensure In Verses was showroom ready. According to guitarist Drew Goddard, this lengthy struggle “strengthened the dynamic and the spirit of the band”.
Inspired by the Japanese term for blue sky, Aozora asks, “If I held your head underwater/ Would you fi-i-ight for you li-i-ife?”
Animation opens with a caressing harp section, its stacks-on, freak-out conclusion hitting the polar opposite end of the dynamic scale.
“There ain’t no place that I’d rather be/ But I gotta go…” – Ian Kenny injects raw humanity into every vocal performance and we feel every syllable.
“I’m sorry for your loss/ Please come back to us…” – Kenny’s sublime, lofty vocals are spotlighted during Opal’s intro, cradled by mystical harp. Then Steve Judd’s drumming hijacks the mix – smugly conspicuous following their absence – and jagged guitars saw right through this song’s guts. Our landing is cushioned by warped, spacy synth and a plaintive piano melody.
Prepare to collect your jaw from the floor in response to this record as a whole and the closing Salva’s final two minutes of bottled euphoria in particular. Bear in mind all five musicians have busily refined their chops between album releases, as well.
LABEL: CYMATIC RECORDS/SONY
