Northlane
Obelisk (single)
UNFD
From the album Node, available 24 July
Review by Sam Sweeney
UNFD is perhaps one of my favourite record labels in that it consistently delivers the goods; 90% of the bands on the label are pretty damn fantastic, for lack of better words, and Northlane have a well deserved place amongst this majority. First single Obelisk is both refreshing and promising insight into Northlane’s third studio album Node, set for release next month, and serves as a reminder that the band are more prepared than ever to propel themselves once more into the spotlight.
Obelisk opens with a melodic guitar riff before the merciless drums and vocals take over; within the first 30 seconds, the single showcases Northlane’s musical breadth from transcendental-sounding melodies to domineering rhythmic components. The clean vocals are crisp and compelling and complement the unclean vocals of the verse, while there is a palpable shift in the dynamics of the song come the chorus. The chorus is profoundly uplifting, yet simultaneously encompasses heavier elements in a well-executed assertion of musical maturity. A relatively young band of only 6 years, I’d confidently dare to say that Northlane are yet to reach their peak, but when they do, they’ll push – if not completely defy – the boundaries of their post-hardcore genre.
The middle section of the song deserves particular recognition; comprised of an intense, soul-shaking breakdown, it once more fortifies the balance between the ephemerally mellifluous qualities of the song and the intrinsic heaviness of Northlane’s genre. This breakdown gradually subsides, giving way to a monumental, spine-chilling vocal solo on the behalf of Marcus Bridge. I am genuinely at a loss for words to describe the power behind Bridge’s voice; it carries the song with ease, and effortlessly manages to augment both the melodies of the guitars and crushing rhythmic components.
By the end of the song, the listener has completed a journey. Though just over 4 minutes in length, Obelisk seems to be more of a chronicle than anything else; it is filled to the brim with a plenitude of different musical elements and the oscillating balance of these components creates something well deserving of high regard. I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again; Obelisk offers promising insight into Northlane’s forthcoming release Node and I’m confident that it will be one of 2015’s most memorable releases.
