When I think hard rock, there isn’t much I can conjure to mind these days. Not due to it being outside of my wheelhouse, but largely because the qualifier of “hard rock” means different things to different people. In the case of what I hear in “Flatline”, the latest 3 song offering from Washington based rock outfit Alive In Barcelona, I feel confident in ascribing this label to the band, but would be remiss if I didn’t pointedly say: There much more happening here than just “hard rock”.
EP opener “Parasite” swings and connects as the bands attempt at a track scaled for arenas clears the bleachers. Innocuously starting with vocalist Matt Hoos running his vocal range through before building into an explosive bridge. Guitarists Jesse Barton and Cameron Douthat trade thunderous, bone rattling riffs as drummer Chase Williams punishes his kit, making the breakdown feel like the Colossus of Rhodes just entered the pit wearing a First Blood hoodie.
Middle track “Asphyxiate” sounds like Linkin Park and Avenged Sevenfold having a knife fight at a Daughtry concert. Melodic and punchy, complimented by a bass that hits like a railgun all coursing through the track as the vocals wrap and entangle themselves into a knotted chorus of sung and shouted promises of a life marred by hatred.
Closer “Decay” is by far the most uplifting and hopeful track on the EP, while still maintaining the bite and vitriol the band has carried throughout the project. Determined chords play out on top of soaring riffs and vocals grasping at the sky, plucking each star from the heavens and gripping them firmly in hand. The fugue of loss blurred in screamed dueling vocals, coping with the vacancy and looking to the idea of moving on while being unable to approach it just yet.
When I think “hard rock”, there are few that I can satisfyingly pin the moniker to. Not due to the lack of effort out there, but largely because the qualifier of “hard rock” can barely be felt in todays musical landscape. However, as far as Alive In Barcelona can be concerned, it does in fact have a pulse. Stream the full "Flatline" EP on November 4th, courtesy of SmartPunk Records.
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