One would expect that the addition of new members would entail playing it safe with the compositions. Thankfully, the band doesn't conform to such norms and the album is anything but predictable. Starting with the
intro, “Walk Away Slowly”, the listener is greeted with the calm before the
storm –and by storm, I mean “Bouquet”, the first single. The track for the most
part gives me a strong 2009 metalcore vibe but this doesn’t put me off;
if anything, it makes me more curious. “No Servant Of Mine”, “Haunt Me” and “Swim
Beneath My Skin”, are the compositions that stand out the most. Although aggressiveness
is the common denominator for all three, the range of expressed emotions varies
to significant levels. From raw cynicism (which, let’s be factual, is the
predominant element in Brendan Murphy’s lyrics) to melancholy to honest self-realization, the listener follows silently the vocalist as he vehemently tears himself apart.
"Thieves" is one of the hardest-hitting songs on the album -and the definition of a pithit, if you ask me, much like "A Memory Misread". The latter contains some beautiful singalongs and a bloody pulverizing breakdown courtesy of Kyle Brownlee. Well done, mate!
As we reach the end, "Fragile Limbs" is an unexpected melodic outburst that brilliantly contrasts the previous heavier tracks. The 11th and final song is the title track. Frankly, it's the most fitting way to conclude this album, as it encapsulates the essence of this creative endeavor.
"Thieves" is one of the hardest-hitting songs on the album -and the definition of a pithit, if you ask me, much like "A Memory Misread". The latter contains some beautiful singalongs and a bloody pulverizing breakdown courtesy of Kyle Brownlee. Well done, mate!
As we reach the end, "Fragile Limbs" is an unexpected melodic outburst that brilliantly contrasts the previous heavier tracks. The 11th and final song is the title track. Frankly, it's the most fitting way to conclude this album, as it encapsulates the essence of this creative endeavor.
“You’re Not You Anymore” is not just the refined continuation of "Tragedy Will Find Us". Drawing the best elements from the band's entire discography, it's an intense, fully calculated move where the quintet showcases exonerated pure artistry. There is a strong connection between the compelling instrumentation of Adrian Lee and Blake Hardman, Tyler Williams' underpinning basslines and Murphy’s poignant lyricism, which carries and accentuates the vocalist’s most intimate thoughts and fears. I personally never thought that he could surpass the exasperation in “Reflection” and the bitterness of “Soil” but I’m glad I was proven wrong; his interpretation is flawless from every aspect.
Counterparts have written the most integral album of their
career so far –and not because Murphy himself claimed so. YNYAM is a concrete
affirmation that creativity, passion and perseverance and Tumblr moody images can get you anywhere.
9.5/10
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