Artist: Pianos Become The Teeth
Album: Drift
Label: Epitaph
Release Date: 26/08/2022
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Pianos become the teeth may have begun their career as one of the underground scene’s most beloved skramz bands, but their sound has never stopped changing and evolving since. After a long and impressive journey, the band have arrived at Drift, their darkest and most introspective album to date.
Drift is essentially the band perfecting their new sound and style to create an album that is equal parts relaxing, moving and engaging. As far as styles employed on the album consists of a blend of post-rock, post-hardcore, emo and shoegaze elements. Each of these is woven into the other so that you never really focus on what type of music is being played at any given time.
There’s something about the album that just has me hooked and I don’t quite know how to put it. I guess you could say that the music has a sort of sexiness to it in its tones and textures and through the smoothness with which the instrumental work and vocals are delivered. Whatever it is, it has me hooked and has kept me coming back for more.
If you’re a fan of bands such as A Perfect Circle or Rishloo then you will find plenty to love here. While I can draw similarities to both of these acts, I must state that Drift has very much created its own unique and nuanced sound and style.
I would have to say that the band’s true skill can be found in the delicate balancing act that they perform between emotional and atmosphere laden segments and moments of power and excitement. There is also a seamless transition between these moments, never feeling forced or sloppy. When things do pick up, its very much the drum work that drives this shift in energy. Even in some of the more relaxed moments the drum work injects a little liveliness and energy into the mix.
The vocals are definitely one of my favourite elements overall, being equal parts emotional, soothing and captivating. They work in perfect unison to follow the energy of the drum work throughout the album but still always feel like they’re in command. The subtle use of backing layered vocals adds a lot of atmospheres to the mix but never feels overdone.
Lastly but not least we have the guitar and bass elements on the album. These are also fairly varied throughout but do the most to develop the album’s atmosphere and tone. There are moments of utter beauty in the mix, where stunning tones are employed, and some fantastic riffs are presented. When needed though they really step up and bring the noise.
Overall, I absolutely loved this album and if this is the future direction that the band has chosen to take then I’m all for it. This is the kind of album that you can just put on at any given time and enjoy what you’re listening to. I’ve yet to get bored of it an I’m well over 10 full listens in.
Listen to and order the album:
