Earlier this month saw Defeater release their self-titled album. Their first release in four years after some much needed downtime.
Often their albums are built around the narrative of post-war American life but this feels like a new chapter for Defeater. The self-titled release feels like a tale of the bands recent struggles. From a life of touring, personal issues and losing a long-time member – it’s the perfect fuel for this melodic hardcore band. Derek has been open about the record exploring his own “Glass family” (an homage to the J.D. Salinger characters) and the issues don’t shy away, although do feel like they repeat themselves throughout their discography – family, war, drugs, it’s all bad news.
Consistent in temperament and true to their genre it’s a gritty record. Defeater’s albums always feel like a journey and this is no exception, it flows seamlessly from start to end.
With a new producer comes a different mix and notably the vocals feel somewhat hidden whilst on previous albums feel more dominant. Usually there’s a lyric for you to get right in their with Derek and shout back to but feels absent amongst the album. It’s definitely something the fans have noticed and will take time to adjust to but on the bright side sees the complexity of their riffs really shine through. From the bass licks in ‘Atheists In Foxholes’ to the guitar barrage on ‘Stale Smoke’ leading to ‘Dealer / Debtor’.
35 minutes of genuine heart and soul. The band have challenged themselves and come out glorious.
7/10
