The release of Deafheaven’s 2013 record Sunbather have left both fans and critics wondering how the Los Angeles based quintet will be able to top the sound that has taken them around the world for the past two years. Believe me, it’s a question I’ve asked myself on multiple occasions.
Today, we put the musings of this problematic query to bed with the release of New Bermuda. The five track album is being released on Anti-Records, the sister label of Brett Gurewitz’s giant indie label Epitaph Records, featuring some rather curious artwork by the very talented Allison Schulnik.
New Bermuda‘s cover is definitely something worth talking about. Deafheaven was praised for the intricate design of Sunbather, with its bright layout and captivating font. Deafheaven’s album cover has taken on an interesting appearance this time around. The backdrop is entirely black, with one lone figure looking upon what appears to be a seemingly endless stretch of water. The only remarkable feature is the figure’s expression, its empty eyes gazing upon this insurmountable stretch of water, reflecting upon self-doubt, perhaps.
New Bermuda‘s cover signals a new era for Deafheaven, but the five young men reshape their future with their new endeavor. Kerry McCoy recently tweeted “This new record has parts that are kinda like an ignorant bully beating sunbathers ass into the ground.” I couldn’t imagine a better way to describe this album.
DISCLAIMER: Do not listen to this album expecting Sunbather. New Bermuda is a totally different concept and should not be held to the same standards as Sunbather. That being said, let us know meander throughout the dark and twisted cavern that Deafheaven have hewn for themselves.
New Bermuda begins with “Brought to the Water.” As soon as you click play, the most bizarre razor like drone swells as church bells ring out, followed by an immediate convergence of noise as we are thrown down the standard black metal hole of sound (blast beats and rushed chords) until we are thrust out onto a precipice treated to loud, frantic…chugging? A series of triplets dominates the sound and we now realize that this is not the Deafheaven we have come to know. This is a different creature.
Tracks like “Luna” and “Come Back” take us back to what we remember from Sunbather. The distant melodies, the longing for success that Clarke and McCoy felt…it’s all still there, but in the shape of a different beast. The group has everything they’ve ever longed for and still, they feel nothing. “Come Back” throws a bone to the fans of the bands previous work with a pretty, atmospheric jam of sorts towards the end of the song. I fell into a daydream as I listened, floating high above a sea of red clouds, a proverbial haze of anger, which took me away from the brutal pain of Clarke’s shrieks…the repetition kept me aloft and the sliding of the guitar whisked me away until I realized that the journey had come to an end.
Stylistically, New Bermuda is all over the place. “Baby Blue” begins with shimmery riffs that were made for the standard Cocteau Twins or Smiths fan in all of us, leading into an explosive buildup into the gnarliest solo (excuse my dip into a tenth grade vernacular) forcing us into a straight ass-kicking riff. I don’t know, I feel like some losers will find an excuse to mosh to this and no one will be able to hold it against them. I’ll be honest, “Gifts for the Earth” leaves me wanting a bit more more. The track is just dripping in Cranberries nostalgia and this is very different than what I’d expect to hear. Definitely not my favorite, but a solid track nonetheless.
There are several standouts on New Bermuda that are worthy of noting. First of all, whatever dark chasm they threw Clarke into to record vocals, keep him there and only let him out for tour. His voice really came to the forefront on this album and I felt like I was listening to one of the Weaver brothers the entire time. Secondly, Daniel Tracy is a remarkable drummer. His fills are tasteful yet not overdone; just all around tight and impressive.
All in all, New Bermuda has redefined Deafheaven’s sound and has left me hungry for more. Congratulations, boys.
Rating: 4.7/5