Okay… We’re gonna need to just take a moment, because this guy is seeing stars! No, seriously! After 5+ years away from the scene, the Midwestern fusion pioneers are lighting up the sky once more!
I truly do love I See Stars! Stumbling across their 2016 opus, Treehouse, I was instantly captured by crystal production, cutting breakdowns, and melodic excellence. Blending ‘electronica’ and metalcore to hypnotic effect, this Michigan quintet had long been centered around the precocious talents of the Oliver siblings, guitarist Brent Allen, and bassist Jeff Valentine; Then, about a decade in, the group took a step back, effectively going on hiatus from 2018 onwards… Frontman Devin Oliver busied himself with a solo project, but as a whole, the band entered a sustained period of absence. And by ‘absence,’ I mean that major music outlets didn’t have anything to report for upwards of four years! Whoa… Then came March, and out of nowhere a social media post broke the ice–and there’s been no slowing down!
So, with a storied past and dazzling future, I See Stars are back with two knockout tracks! On ‘Anomaly’ & ‘Drift,’ listeners will be thrilled to hear how a bold new approach collides with trademark energy! Let's check them out individually...
‘Anomaly’
Arriving with attitude, the band doesn’t waste any time with formalities; instead they hit the ground running, plowing headfirst into a breakneck riff! Stadium-style chants anchor the groove as Oliver’s vocals enter, soaring high and heavy as ever! While simple, the chorus lyrics are catchy, allowing for counterpoint between actual singing and the sampled voices used. Not quite present in the first verse, Valentine’s stellar basslines drive the chorus and subsequent verse, relying on legato playing and a sliding technique to capture tasteful ‘frames’ of rhythm.
Hello? Is anyone even reading this? Or do they just want to know if Devin Oliver screams? Well, I can tell you that he does not; no, I won’t say if that’s ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ because well… that’s just personal preference, right? The end of the second chorus falls into a crushing breakdown, egged on by Oliver’s taunting, “Rage Against the Machine” esque vocals!
While not the traditional ‘heavier’ delivery fans might expect, the style seems to work well for the singer, giving some grit–some Can’t Swim swagger! Speaking with candor, Devin Oliver offers that:
"Anomaly was created from self-reflection and introspection during a time in my life when I was in and out of the hospital for 2 years battling a rare neurological disorder… It’s a powerful reminder to me that the clock is ticking and we must live on our own terms, true to ourselves and our values…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttu1Hzix9fs
‘Drift’
Balancing heaviness and harmony, ‘Drift’ dashes upon the listener like a wave against the shore! Stimulating, busy… exalting, this tune feels like I See Stars live, totally in their element! The song is dynamic, and polished–but wild! The opening may be a punch to the face, but the chorus is just so incredibly beautiful! Without a doubt, Oliver’s limber tenor is still the spotlight of this band–the epitome of musicianship and craft. Now favouring breakbeat drums and autotune instead of vocal sampling, this ensemble–while presenting more of a traditional rock front–has lost none of their electronic heritage; tasteful application and expert vision prove the spark is as bright as ever! ‘Drift’ features a drawn-out bridge–a passage of synthesized textures and syrupy noise that collapses into an explosive exit!
At 2:50, ‘Drift’ doesn’t seem ‘short,’ but the tension between the body and bridge seems to ‘cut’ the tune, making it a blast to hear, but easy to forget…
Well, I See Stars has certainly returned, and it’s certainly been in style! Standing tall on ‘Anomaly’ & ‘Drift, the acclaimed American outfit has certainly set the tone for an exciting year!
Although little is known about future releases, the band shares that their upcoming record will [give]:
“you no choice but to surrender to the ebbs and flows of your thoughts and emotions, pulling you in and out of focus… as it forces us to explore the murky depths of our minds and uncharted territories of our own psyche.”
Make a wish, metal fans, we’ve got some shooting stars in our skies!!!
Words by Thomas Hiscock
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Stream both singles here
