Abstract Rapture – Hollow Motion (Black ‘N Purple Records)
Monday, 17th December 2018
Sometimes a trip back into the past can be an enjoyable one, but all that glitters is not always gold. Abstract Rapture have been removed seven years from their last album (Earthcrush), and Hollow Motion feels like it could have been ripped straight from the ‘90s in several regards. But the qualities that it takes from that realm aren’t always the strongest ones.
First and foremost, Abstract Rapture have a good grasp on combining some heavy grooves (love the bass sound as well) with some thrashy elements. “The Fear Industry” is a real ripper of a track, with some rumbling bass to start things off and then it kicks into full-on thrash mode. They also aren’t afraid of moving into more melodic territory at times, with clean vocals and more of a hard rock vibe that seeps through to put some melancholy into the track. “The Cancer in Your Soul” also benefits from some catchy and rather heavy grooves, and also uses some more mellow clean vocals to counter the aggression. Which is what brings us to the part where Abstract Rapture tends to slip a bit – inconsistency with the cleans. The above tracks implement them well, but more often than not, they have a Staind/Disturbed essence to them that may put off some listeners. “Hollow Soul” and “Endless Chapter” are both guilty of this, and it makes for an inconsistent listen at times.
The pieces that Abstract Rapture gets right are excellent and bode well for the band’s future. But some of the inconsistency in the vocals, and the reliance on some scream/sung patterns could use some tweaking if the band wants to make a name for themselves as they move ahead.
