Release Date - 2nd September 2022
Label - MNRK Heavy
Words- Chris Flecther
With the likes of Job For A Cowboy and Sacred Reich part of its heavy music heritage, the state of Arizona has plenty to be proud of. ‘Celebrity Therapist’, the second album from the wonderfully named Callous Daoboys, has given their home state yet another reason to be more than a little smug. The mathcore six-piece have been riding a wave of hype in the run up to their sophomore release, and it is with great pleasure we can announce that this has been well deserved.
With the breakup of The Dillinger Escape Plan and uncertain future of Every Time I Die, The Callous Daoboys have stepped in to fill that void, and although those are big shoes to fill, they must be feeling snug. Reckless and unhinged, chaotic yet classy, this is a record that pivots between heavy and calm with ease. Changes of pace, spoken word interludes, crushing breakdowns and uplifting choruses are all accommodated in an eight-track thrill ride that feels like it could go off the rails at any moment.
Opening with the sound of a busy public space before ushering in a stabbing math riff combined with a delightful bassline, ‘Violent Astrology’ kicks things off in fine fashion. ‘A Brief Article Regarding Time Loops’ opens with the sound of an alarm (as if telling us to wake up, this is really happening) before the coolly named ‘Title Track’ gives us a slight breather, its slower build accompanied by the sound of rainfall before everything once again comes crashing down around you and one of the catchiest singalong sections of the year is ushered in. It’s destined to be huge when played live.
Later on in the record ‘What is Delicious? Who Swarms?’ even adds in everybody’s favourite instrument, the saxophone, alongside some violin, before closing track ‘Star Baby’ finishes proceedings with a stomping riff and another huge chorus hook.
To say this is a mixed bag in terms of styles is an understatement. Disjointed by design, these are well crafted songs that move between musical boundaries with little regard for the listener. There are plenty of hefty riffs here, yet they come and go, never letting you get comfortable. Vocally, Carson Pace displays a proficiency with both post-hardcore style screaming and delicate cleans, giving this more dimensions that a Marvel movie.
Whilst this is undoubtedly top quality mathcore, there is a theatricality and eccentricity to this record which sets it apart from almost anything in the scene right now. The musical dexterity ensures that there is something here for everyone. You might have just found your new favourite band.
9/10
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