How much does I See Stars’ style change in their new album Treehouse?
https://vimeo.com/170180493
Text Review:
When a band changes style, regardless of the reason, it can be a make or break point for many listeners. After several years and albums, a band may change their sound whether intentionally or for unexpected reasons. Many times when this happens it is also a make or break moment for the members of the band as well to see if they can continue with their career under the same name.
Since 2006 I See Stars has been a six piece group but as of last year the group has parted ways on seemingly good terms with long time members Zach Johnson and Jimmy Gregerson. The group now is a four piece unit with an occasional touring member. The big shakeup in this is the now vacant spot of unclean vocals from Johnson. Singing duties are now shouldered solely by Devin Oliver.
Going from a heavy, brash and electronica based metalcore style to one with much more melody and focus on an electronic beat is a major shift. While many people may get a sensory shock on their first listen when they’ve heard past works from I See Stars, the truth is that the band has already used all of these elements before. This isn’t totally uncharted territory for the band.
Now in 2016 we have the next chapter entitled Treehouse from I See Stars and the first album since 2013, which is also the largest gap between albums for the band. There are many arguments that can be made in that that much time off can help or hinder a band, or a significant format and lineup change could eventually cause former listeners to leave the new music behind or only compare it to the music when the band had past members.
We were first given a look into the new album Treehouse in February 2016, but it wasn’t until May that we received a real sample of what I See Stars has been working on and what the new direction will reflect going forward. In all its electronicore glory with heavy guitar riffs and EDM beats, it can’t be argued that I See Stars is getting creative.
Running With Scissors is the best indicator of style for what to expect on Treehouse. There are definitely heavy moments in the track but for a majority of the song it is a much more melodic and rhythmic experience highlighted by a well sung chorus in front of some electronic vibes. The song flows very well and has a great range in going from high volume to low at the right times.
One of the main comments people will make however is the lack of screaming and unclean vocals. Rather, people may wonder what songs like Running With Scissors would sound like if unclean vocals were also used. It’s a fair question, but it ignores the fact that a song like this has a lot of great elements and works well on many levels.
There are many songs on Treehouse with the same structure of a quick burst of volume through guitars, drums or a dance beat, but it’s then softened with the vocals of Devin Oliver. This creates a progression in each song that sounds unique and natural. In tracks like Running With Scissors, Yellow King, White Lies and Break, you understand the style and format of the band and how they make it work.
It feels like a seamless transition between the chaotic EDM effects to the rock scene where everything feels connected. In a way the band has replaced the unclean vocals and screaming with more techno drops and beats while the overall mood throughout the album seems softer. This mainly due to the vocals now being fully melodic, and it works to this album’s advantage.
There are a couple songs that may not be as played as much due to specific moments, such as All In which feels a bit forced and repetitive or Mobbin’ Out which has a majority of the track sounding like a crowded EDM club where the higher volume in the vocals clash with the electronic style, but these examples are few and don’t reflect the entire track each time.
This is a new venture for I See Stars and how they progress from here will depend greatly on their fans’ reception. While their old works will still be highlighted and played, what comes in the future will now be a more melodic and rhythm based style. In the case of 2016, there appears to be no real reason for concern.
Overall, while Treehouse does feel different from previous I See Stars albums, it still works on many levels and almost subconsciously makes you want to listen again as soon as some tracks are over. If you keep an open mind or you’ve been a fan of the band for years, you’ll be more than satisfied with what you hear.
8/10
