Sometimes, music by definition isn’t exactly metal but the feelings you get from it certainly are. Such is the case for the new Echos album, Quiet, In Your Service. The (mostly) gentle and darkwave-y sound doesn’t have too much in common with metal from a sonic standpoint. But the genuine melancholy and hard-hitting gloom should put it squarely in the sights of those seeking something more on the melodic end of things that carries a raw, emotional punch.
Vocalist Alexandra Norton sits at the center of this release, with some songs relying solely on her voice to carry the emotional weight, accompanied by some quiet electronic arrangements and listening to the album as a whole takes you on quite a journey. From the descending whispers of the intro track “Mariposa” it brings you into this dark and moody feeling, and “Carousel” adds murky electronics that ebb and flow, with Norton’s vocals all but floating in mysterious and enticing atmosphere. The title track acts as an emotional gutpunch with lyrics that address the push/pull of staying in a toxic relationship in raw sincerity. “Bruises” and “Over & Over” elevates the energy level into something more ‘heavy’ at times, offering more direct hooks, particularly “Over & Over,” where visceral riffs hit hard in the chorus, providing an almost hypnotic groove that amplifies the emotions of the poignant track.
“Papercuts” begins to showcase a change in mood from the despair and straight-up helplessness some of the earlier songs provide. There’s almost an angry side that starts to rise through to the surface as it progresses. But “Wires” takes that anger and melts it into yearning and self-reflection. It’s a very gentle track with minimal instrumentation outside of Norton’s vocals, and it’s a very powerful and haunting in tone. The album ends on a more upbeat and ethereal note with “Tolerance.” The vocal lines sound healing in tone and it leaves on a very strong, resilient note. Or you can let it loop and it gives a different meaning as to how easy it is to slip back into the darkness.
Beautiful, heart-wrenching, and powerful all describe how Quiet, In Your Service feels as you listen. Echos provides an emotional rawness that isn’t easy to portray, and the journey this album takes you on a hard-hitting trip. Norton’s vocals are a powerhouse, showcasing a range of emotions that well up from within, and will resonate with listeners for long past when the album ends.