The Mass Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness
Crucial Blast Records CBR47 September 13th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
I stand by all my review scores, except for the 8.5 that I gave to Kataklysms Serenity in Fire. I plead temporary insanity in my defense. But, with The Masss sophomore full-length named Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness, the saxophone-peddling quartet have improved greatly since City of Dis edged its way onto Crucial Blasts roster, and the 8.5 here is a rating Id defend against even the most ardent of would-be dissenters.
My gut reaction followed by extensive listening proved to be right concerning Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness. Whether they reevaluated their songwriting techniques or simply became hosts for a more focused vision, I cant say, but sleep safely knowing that The Mass have trimmed the fat, upped the seasoning, and cooked something that should draw in fans of appetizing music. Methodically speaking, the changes (or progressions) stare you in the face, and its near to impossible to ignore them, not that you would want to anyway. The saxophone, which wouldnt shut up on City of Dis, is relegated to the auxiliary section here, though its interjections arent few and far between. The vocals have taken a dive into unclean waters, and thats yet another change I fully condone. One cant forget about the music itself, because this time The Mass have mixed subgenres such as thrash, math, chaos, post-rock, and various others in their search for the perfect brew. From the droopy, atypical wanderings of Meditation on the Some Carcass to the panicky beginning of This is Your Final Dream, the band litter their actual songs with as much differentiation involved in their enigmatic style. Trying to nail down these guys by way of empty descriptors is akin to lifting a grand piano by oneself. It can be done haphazardly, but is ultimately more injurious to the person doing the grunt work.
As if you couldnt tell, Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness is one of the most unique efforts Ive had the pleasure of listening to. The Mass, observing their proclivity for scatterbrained delivery, isnt for the everyman. However, those with explorers hearts will definitely want to give this a go. In stores now!
8.5/10
Official The Mass Website
Official Crucial Blast Records Website
Crucial Blast Records CBR47 September 13th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
I stand by all my review scores, except for the 8.5 that I gave to Kataklysms Serenity in Fire. I plead temporary insanity in my defense. But, with The Masss sophomore full-length named Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness, the saxophone-peddling quartet have improved greatly since City of Dis edged its way onto Crucial Blasts roster, and the 8.5 here is a rating Id defend against even the most ardent of would-be dissenters.
My gut reaction followed by extensive listening proved to be right concerning Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness. Whether they reevaluated their songwriting techniques or simply became hosts for a more focused vision, I cant say, but sleep safely knowing that The Mass have trimmed the fat, upped the seasoning, and cooked something that should draw in fans of appetizing music. Methodically speaking, the changes (or progressions) stare you in the face, and its near to impossible to ignore them, not that you would want to anyway. The saxophone, which wouldnt shut up on City of Dis, is relegated to the auxiliary section here, though its interjections arent few and far between. The vocals have taken a dive into unclean waters, and thats yet another change I fully condone. One cant forget about the music itself, because this time The Mass have mixed subgenres such as thrash, math, chaos, post-rock, and various others in their search for the perfect brew. From the droopy, atypical wanderings of Meditation on the Some Carcass to the panicky beginning of This is Your Final Dream, the band litter their actual songs with as much differentiation involved in their enigmatic style. Trying to nail down these guys by way of empty descriptors is akin to lifting a grand piano by oneself. It can be done haphazardly, but is ultimately more injurious to the person doing the grunt work.
As if you couldnt tell, Perfect Picture of Wisdom and Boldness is one of the most unique efforts Ive had the pleasure of listening to. The Mass, observing their proclivity for scatterbrained delivery, isnt for the everyman. However, those with explorers hearts will definitely want to give this a go. In stores now!
8.5/10
Official The Mass Website
Official Crucial Blast Records Website
