The Esoteric With the Sureness of Sleepwalking
Prosthetic Records Prosthetic 10019-IN02 April 19th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
In the music industry, namedropping works. For instance, when I heard that The Esoteric not to be confused with Season of Mists Esoteric contains members of Coalesce, Today is the Day, Theta, and Reggie and the Full Effect, I downloaded Ram-Faced Boy a few seconds later. Though With the Sureness of Sleepwalking isnt their first output, by any means, its their first major release, and is also a solid example of post-hardcore acrobatics.
On the whole, The Esoteric, even though several members come from different bands, dont sound like any of their past commitments. With the Sureness of Sleepwalking is a forty-five minute romp, hoisting thirteen songs filled with infectious hooks and grooves, which are somewhat downplayed by the fuzzy, junky production and forgettable vocals. Cruz (vocals, electronics) does a decent job of fronting the crew, but his soft scratchy approach does not increase the groups likeability. In fact, his voice may serve as an additional hurdle. Still no matter which opinion you decide to adopt the music is whats most noteworthy about this Prosthetic Records signing. At times recalling the monumental The Dillinger Escape Plan, the melodies found on With the Sureness of Sleepwalking are bolstered by the oft-used MO known as controlled chaos. Whereas Ram-Faced Boy is overly melodic and emotional, This is Dedicated to the Prettiest One is somehow darker and less amicable. Nevertheless, The Esoterics songs are consistently multi-layered avoiding unintended turbidity as evidenced by Somnambulist. Similarly, despite its propensity for discord, this record is fully comprehendible and may tucker you out by its conclusion. I became somewhat disinterested by the time A Fools Errand knocked at the door, no matter what the last few tunes had to present.
Besides a handful of missteps, With the Sureness of Sleepwalking is a nice stable entry into the post-hardcore subgenre. While the vocals are shoddy and a few numbers arent memorable, The Esoteric are given to commendable songwriting, which means theres almost always something to glean from any of these thirteen iterations. The quintets former endeavors are also worth checking out, though theyre incredibly different from what you see before you.
7.5/10
Official The Esoteric Website
Official Prosthetic Records Website
Prosthetic Records Prosthetic 10019-IN02 April 19th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
In the music industry, namedropping works. For instance, when I heard that The Esoteric not to be confused with Season of Mists Esoteric contains members of Coalesce, Today is the Day, Theta, and Reggie and the Full Effect, I downloaded Ram-Faced Boy a few seconds later. Though With the Sureness of Sleepwalking isnt their first output, by any means, its their first major release, and is also a solid example of post-hardcore acrobatics.
On the whole, The Esoteric, even though several members come from different bands, dont sound like any of their past commitments. With the Sureness of Sleepwalking is a forty-five minute romp, hoisting thirteen songs filled with infectious hooks and grooves, which are somewhat downplayed by the fuzzy, junky production and forgettable vocals. Cruz (vocals, electronics) does a decent job of fronting the crew, but his soft scratchy approach does not increase the groups likeability. In fact, his voice may serve as an additional hurdle. Still no matter which opinion you decide to adopt the music is whats most noteworthy about this Prosthetic Records signing. At times recalling the monumental The Dillinger Escape Plan, the melodies found on With the Sureness of Sleepwalking are bolstered by the oft-used MO known as controlled chaos. Whereas Ram-Faced Boy is overly melodic and emotional, This is Dedicated to the Prettiest One is somehow darker and less amicable. Nevertheless, The Esoterics songs are consistently multi-layered avoiding unintended turbidity as evidenced by Somnambulist. Similarly, despite its propensity for discord, this record is fully comprehendible and may tucker you out by its conclusion. I became somewhat disinterested by the time A Fools Errand knocked at the door, no matter what the last few tunes had to present.
Besides a handful of missteps, With the Sureness of Sleepwalking is a nice stable entry into the post-hardcore subgenre. While the vocals are shoddy and a few numbers arent memorable, The Esoteric are given to commendable songwriting, which means theres almost always something to glean from any of these thirteen iterations. The quintets former endeavors are also worth checking out, though theyre incredibly different from what you see before you.
7.5/10
Official The Esoteric Website
Official Prosthetic Records Website
