I’ve always taken issue with this concept that music is an art form for the youth. That at some point, usually early 30s so people can easily put a flag on it, we lose touch as listeners and artists and make way for the next generation. And yet, there is truth to the difficulties of sustaining creativity as you age. So, how do you address that without reverting back to a cover band of your past self? PÆRISH tackles this existential crisis head on in their latest album RITA, for what feels like their heaviest one yet.
If I had to describe RITA in one word, it would be layered. Once again enlisting their longtime collaborator and Grammy-winning producer Will Yip, PÆRISH journeyed back to their roots (not just as a band, but their childhood roots as well) to find the balance in nostalgic sparks and current creative influences. The result is a sometimes grungy, sometimes shoegaze-y, sometimes heavy, and constantly raw 11-song LP. Named after a bell tower vocalist and guitarist Mathias Court could see from a window in his family’s South France apartment when he was a child, RITA reaches for memories to usher in a new sense of urgency and dedication.
A standout track on the album was actually the first single released, “Vapor Cloud.” A thematic centerpiece to the project, “Vapor Cloud” is ripe with muddy bass tones, distorted vocals, and an atmospheric guitar solo all against power drums that are consistent throughout the entire album. There are a handful of influences that may or may not be deliberate throughout RITA but this track in particular gives off an Oso Oso presence albeit a lot more alt rock than their indie sound.
Other influences I hear on this record include post-hardcore veterans Microwave and Silversun Pickups. Back to my previous one-word review: layered. This LP is such an interesting blend of dream-pop/shoegaze and loud, post-hardcore ethos. In fact, the opening track “Prince of Darkness” almost feels like it’s delving into some pop-punk identity until the vocals come in to ground it a bit. They don’t lose themselves one bit in the genre-blending, however. In fact, it’s exactly what gives this album its charm. It’s feels fresh and distinctive and, with one of the best producers of our generations behind the board, it sounds absolutely pristine.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the album closer “Soothe.” A fluttering melody, almost like a lullaby, floats along a guttural dance between heavy drums and bass while the guitar is somewhat subdued until brief moments here and there where it pops up with a catchy riff. It’s the prime example of the push and pull that goes on throughout RITA and it’s a tune that is bound to get stuck in your head.
Perhaps a full reinvention isn’t always necessary. Maybe sometimes all you need is to remember what inspired you in the first place. Take that fire you once had, shape it some more, and you may get an album as textured and urgent and raw as RITA.
RITA is out everything via SideOneDummy Records. Listen here:
