Frodus is one of those bands that just didn't seem to get the recognition they truly deserved until after their breakup, and they're still extremely overlooked. Following their demise in 1999, bassist Nathan Burke started up his own project with friend Andy Gale. The Out_Circuit is what it became and the band eventually released its first album, Burn Your Scripts Boys in 2004. Piece the Empire with a Sound is the follow-up that comes to us now four years down the road.
The Out_Circuit's sound is still rooted in the 90's post-hardcore scene that Frodus occupied. And while it still contains that energy, there is more focus on melody and atmosphere in the music than that of Burke's preceding musical venture. This is immediately evident by the opening track, "Come Out Shooting." Burke's vocals are very soothing in nature and somewhat reminiscent of Ken Andrews, while the music seems to bridge a gap between the more down-toned post-hardcore of Texas is the Reason and experimental pop of Radiohead, thanks namely to the electronic elements heard throughout.
The Out_Circuit does venture down different paths throughout the album. Take "Cross the Light" for example. The song features collaboration with Burke's wife Rachel; her melodies provide a nice accompaniment to Burke's. Even though both are soft, there is just something about a duet that makes a song stand out.
Onto the next number and more help is lent. This time around Dustin Kensrue of Thrice makes an appearance on "The Contender." Kensrue lends his voice to the cut, which actually sounds as though it could have been taken from the latest Thrice album, well, one of the more experimental songs from the album, that is.
The Out_Circuit offer up a nice interlude with "The Hexagon." It is an instrumental piece that makes use of the piano and keyboards quite well; it's a very relaxing track, especially the second half. "The Fall of Las Vegas" opens with very ominous synths and Gale's almost digitalized-sounding drumbeats. The song features the coarse vocals of Sean Ingram of Coalesce. They really provide a nice contrast to Burke's soothing melodies.
"We" is a rather depressing song in tone; it reminds me of the slower Sunny Day Real Estate numbers, but with swirling snyths. "Lost Pilot" is a rather eerie number; the addition of lap steel further adds to its odd mood.
"New Wine" and "Scarlet" complete the album out in fitting fashion to the project. Burke continues to lead the project into a world that blurs the line between post-hardcore, experimental pop, and atmospheric soundscapes. With use of traditional instrumentation and the organ on the former and keys on the latter, the task of creating music that dares you to really listen is achieved with great success.
Pierce the Empire with a Sound is likely going to be an under the radar release for most people. It's an unfortunate "award" to give to an album, but I feel it to be inevitable. However, if this review has at all peaked your interest, I must demand you seek this album out.
