Century Faith and Failure
Tribunal Records TRB072 February 5th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Though Slovak (guitar, voice, ex-Armsbendback) was the sole creator of Centurys self-titled EP, hes returned with three of his friends, and Faith and Failure is the satisfying result of said collaboration. As far as Im concerned, while this quartet resides at the top of the heap with fellow trumpeters such as Between the Buried and Me, Swarm of the Lotus, Into the Moat, and Losa, theres a distinct forward-thinking aura in place, recalling groups such as Burst, Mastodon, and myriad troops Neurosis allegedly spawned with their recordings (the DNA tests are still pending). Overall, fans of inventive core will be pleased by what Century has to offer.
It doesnt take much dissecting to figure out that Faith and Failure is a cohesive ball, formed by experimentation and an unwavering eye for creativity. Utilizing the textures and production of Burst, the energetic instrumentation of Between the Buried and Me, and the beloved crunch of Neurosis and Swarm of the Lotus thrusts these guys into the power position. Generally happier than their fellow music-makers, Century leap over the pit of incongruity with the greatest of ease like trapeze artists and I had no problem following their songs routes. Naturally, the opening number Obsolescence is a great place to begin, with the 0:45 minute mark packing quite a sucker punch. Book ended by more serene, overly modern sections just increases the effect of the heavier parts, perhaps even extending the lingering feelings caused by the jarring. Watch Them Become Animals kicks off with tough riffs and equally tough grooves, which accentuate both Centurys potency and shape-shifting abilities quite nicely. As with any release, however, there are a few drawbacks. Those sickened by anything core may grow jaded quickly. Also, Slovaks gruff vocalizations are mostly innocuous, and practically shy away from the forefront. Furthermore, since this debut is so in touch with morphing, it follows that its difficult for your brain to deposit these compositions into its memory bank without constant repetition. In other words, good luck remembering any of these 36 minutes in detail.
Like we saw with Intronauts Null, notable core records are still surfacing from time to time. Of course Tribunal Records harbors plenty of groups, but many can only dream about being this interesting and poignant. Faith and Failure, despite its generic title, is practically a no-brainer for those who revel in music such as this. An all-star effort, I say. Then you say, Yeah, youre right.
8/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Century Website
Official Tribunal Records Website
Tribunal Records TRB072 February 5th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Though Slovak (guitar, voice, ex-Armsbendback) was the sole creator of Centurys self-titled EP, hes returned with three of his friends, and Faith and Failure is the satisfying result of said collaboration. As far as Im concerned, while this quartet resides at the top of the heap with fellow trumpeters such as Between the Buried and Me, Swarm of the Lotus, Into the Moat, and Losa, theres a distinct forward-thinking aura in place, recalling groups such as Burst, Mastodon, and myriad troops Neurosis allegedly spawned with their recordings (the DNA tests are still pending). Overall, fans of inventive core will be pleased by what Century has to offer.
It doesnt take much dissecting to figure out that Faith and Failure is a cohesive ball, formed by experimentation and an unwavering eye for creativity. Utilizing the textures and production of Burst, the energetic instrumentation of Between the Buried and Me, and the beloved crunch of Neurosis and Swarm of the Lotus thrusts these guys into the power position. Generally happier than their fellow music-makers, Century leap over the pit of incongruity with the greatest of ease like trapeze artists and I had no problem following their songs routes. Naturally, the opening number Obsolescence is a great place to begin, with the 0:45 minute mark packing quite a sucker punch. Book ended by more serene, overly modern sections just increases the effect of the heavier parts, perhaps even extending the lingering feelings caused by the jarring. Watch Them Become Animals kicks off with tough riffs and equally tough grooves, which accentuate both Centurys potency and shape-shifting abilities quite nicely. As with any release, however, there are a few drawbacks. Those sickened by anything core may grow jaded quickly. Also, Slovaks gruff vocalizations are mostly innocuous, and practically shy away from the forefront. Furthermore, since this debut is so in touch with morphing, it follows that its difficult for your brain to deposit these compositions into its memory bank without constant repetition. In other words, good luck remembering any of these 36 minutes in detail.
Like we saw with Intronauts Null, notable core records are still surfacing from time to time. Of course Tribunal Records harbors plenty of groups, but many can only dream about being this interesting and poignant. Faith and Failure, despite its generic title, is practically a no-brainer for those who revel in music such as this. An all-star effort, I say. Then you say, Yeah, youre right.
8/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Century Website
Official Tribunal Records Website
