QUICKSAND
Interiors
[Epitaph - 2017]
Comparisons are frequently made when discussing music, whether it’s critics giving readers a point of reference or the audience using elements of an artist’s sound or style as shorthand in an effort to dissuade or entice fellow listeners.
In an admittedly superficial way, this came to mind when taking into account the similarities between ‘90s favorites Quicksand and My Bloody Valentine. While the latter exploited a new formula and ended up with a masterpiece, the former made the best of an established format, with some great moments along the way. But then there’s the shared circumstances: difficult followup recording sessions; crippling internal tensions; stopgap reunions; and of course, the 22 year gap between albums two and three.
Conversely, while the return of MBV, third record in tow, was treated as a major event, it can be argued that only the most diehard and faithful among the followers of the influential NYC post-hardcore unit led by the great Walter Schreifels were patiently awaiting the third installment of this particular saga. But in an interesting twist, Quicksand’s album is the one truly worth the wait.
With Interiors the band has attained that elusive duality of having one foot in an illustrious past while expanding the horizons of their sound. It’s quite evident that Schreifels’ stint in Rival Schools during Quicksand’s breakup and his brief foray into the singer/songwriter realm have informed the melodicism of this collection of songs. But the wallop that anchored their first two albums is ever-present across the board, even in Interiors’ most ethereal moments. Yes, indeed.
If Quicksand can manage to keep their past internal dissonance in check and go for the long haul, their future is most certainly one worth looking forward to. Welcome back, gents.
Highlights: Lead off track and first single “Illuminant”, “Under the Screw”, “Warm and Low”, “Cosmonauts”, “Feels Like A Weight Has Been Lifted” and the title track.
Interiors
[Epitaph - 2017]
Comparisons are frequently made when discussing music, whether it’s critics giving readers a point of reference or the audience using elements of an artist’s sound or style as shorthand in an effort to dissuade or entice fellow listeners.
In an admittedly superficial way, this came to mind when taking into account the similarities between ‘90s favorites Quicksand and My Bloody Valentine. While the latter exploited a new formula and ended up with a masterpiece, the former made the best of an established format, with some great moments along the way. But then there’s the shared circumstances: difficult followup recording sessions; crippling internal tensions; stopgap reunions; and of course, the 22 year gap between albums two and three.
Conversely, while the return of MBV, third record in tow, was treated as a major event, it can be argued that only the most diehard and faithful among the followers of the influential NYC post-hardcore unit led by the great Walter Schreifels were patiently awaiting the third installment of this particular saga. But in an interesting twist, Quicksand’s album is the one truly worth the wait.
With Interiors the band has attained that elusive duality of having one foot in an illustrious past while expanding the horizons of their sound. It’s quite evident that Schreifels’ stint in Rival Schools during Quicksand’s breakup and his brief foray into the singer/songwriter realm have informed the melodicism of this collection of songs. But the wallop that anchored their first two albums is ever-present across the board, even in Interiors’ most ethereal moments. Yes, indeed.
If Quicksand can manage to keep their past internal dissonance in check and go for the long haul, their future is most certainly one worth looking forward to. Welcome back, gents.
Highlights: Lead off track and first single “Illuminant”, “Under the Screw”, “Warm and Low”, “Cosmonauts”, “Feels Like A Weight Has Been Lifted” and the title track.
