Review
Pala
We Don't Exist

Pala are a band that went seemingly unnoticed upon release of their debut EP. While the band did have some growing to do they managed to have the pieces to make an interesting sound overall. This growth was embraced a little more on their follow up split with In The Hollows. While both releases did seem to drift under the radar, this full length seems to have garnered a bit more attention overall.
The band combines many different styles to create their general sound. Including 90's emo, heavy hardcore, noise rock and metal. While all of these sounds could create a rather muddy experience overall they, within the right context can create a massive and interesting sound as well. The focus at all times is on the guitar. While not as flashy as some metal bands or technical for the sake of being technical as some bands tend to be the guitars remain interesting throughout. Each riff seems crafted in a way to fit in the song while still sticking out above all else. The really interesting piece of this is that rarely do both guitars do the same thing. This seems to be saved for when the song asks for an extra bit of propulsion.
Everything seems to be in motion at all times within this record. The drums have truly meaningful and artistic fills making for a strong presence. Even when the guitars calm down and leave the vocals to create a melodic centerpiece for the song the drums carry along creating interesting pieces just underneath the surface.
The album is absolutely divided in halves having two strong and lengthy songs as centerpieces. The first half of the album goes by in a somewhat spastic blur combing all of the elements of their sound to make for a jarring but enjoyable experience. "Inside Of" ends the first side starting with a strong melody and going through many movements. The second side begins in a similar manner with "Sure To Burn" This allows for the band to indulge in the more melodic parts of their sound while not leaving the rest behind entirely.
In the course of this full length it feels like Pala have gone to great lengths to make their sound more defined without losing out on the parts that made them different. The album feels like an actual album. That is to say there are ups and downs and a keen ear was used to sequence to songs into a cohesive unit. While Pala may still have some growing to do They have released a strong and interesting full length in the meantime.