Album review: Ancient Teeth – Humanizer

Ah, sophomore albums. The ever-present pressure to recapture the magic of the debut. Thankfully, Montreal-based outfit Ancient Teeth avoids that sophomore slump entirely with their latest offering, “Humanizer.”

Their debut, “Deathbed,” was a potent shot of adrenaline, a grunge-fueled exploration of raw emotion. “Humanizer,” on the other hand, feels like stepping into a hazy, introspective dream. Think less flannel and teenage angst and more swirling guitar scapes and vocals that soar like a particularly eloquent hummingbird.

The aptly titled opener, “Feral,” sets the tone perfectly. It’s a masterclass in controlled chaos, a sonic beast unleashed. Imagine a runaway freight train pulling a melodic tune that is both catchy and cathartic, powered by distortion pedals. It’s the kind of song that compels you to throw your head back and scream-sing along, even if the lyrics delve into confronting your inner demons (hey, we’ve all been there).

But “Humanizer” isn’t all breakneck tempos and sonic fury. Tracks like “Vanishing Light” showcase the band’s softer side, with fingerpicked guitars and vocals that drip with melancholy. It’s a welcome change of pace, a moment to catch your breath after the relentless energy of the opening salvo.

Frontman Adrian Mottram isn’t shy about wearing his influences on his sleeve. Hints of shoegaze shimmer through tracks like “Not Alright,” while the soaring melodies in “Loathe” wouldn’t sound out of place on a vintage Smashing Pumpkins record. However, Ancient Teeth manage to weave these disparate threads into a cohesive tapestry that’s distinctly their own.

Speaking of musicianship, the overall sound on “Humanizer” is impressive. Guitars shimmer and snarl in equal measure, the bass throbs with a subtle intensity, and the drums provide a solid foundation for the sonic explorations above. It’s clear that a lot of love and care went into crafting this record, and it elevates the entire listening experience.

“Humanizer” isn’t without its flaws. A couple of tracks meander slightly, lacking the focus and punch of the stronger offerings. But if you’re looking for an album that’s equal parts heady and heart-wrenching, a sonic kaleidoscope that reflects the complexities of the human experience, then look no further. It’s the kind of record that lingers long after the final notes of the closer, “Stay in Bed,” fade away, leaving you wanting to press play again and get lost in its hazy, cathartic embrace.

Ancient Teeth play The Purple Room in Montreal on April 6

May be an image of text that says "Interland presents PURPN Concert Series Volume III 富 TARBÃX ANCIENT TEETH RUBY SLIPPER 4/06/2024 8:00pm L20h 257 Rue Saint Ferdinand Montreal"
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