Godsticks - The Envisage Conundrum
Having originally hit the music scene in 2009, Godsticks have made their return with the release of their sophomore album The Envisage Conundrum.
The Envisage Conundrum opens with an electronic inspired intro track; Convergence which actually lays a false idea of what to expect from the Welsh Trio's second album, as for the most it is home to crunchy guitar tones, clever drumlines and unusual time changes.
The second track on the album; Caught In A Bind opens with a wall of guitars which play odd-time riffs which leaves everything sounding a bit distorted but likeable, although that track and the title track could do with being shorter. They're both too long and do not hold the listeners attention for the duration of the track.
In A Way It Ended Me has a lovely vintage acoustic vibe to it, before an electric guitar solo makes a surprise appearance about halfway through the track. The next track Benchmark picks up exactly where In A Way It Ended Me left off, and the two tracks almost roll into one.
Godsticks' songs are quite layered and complex which sound good on a carefully produced CD, but I'm not sure how a three piece will produce such sounds when performing live. Overall, it's a varied album that is easy to listen to but doesn't demand your attention but it has been very well produced and it's clear that a lot a work went into creating The Envisage Conundrum. Musically the band sound good, and the vocals are strong throughout.
Overall, The Envisage Conundrum is a pleasant album which is worth a listen, but it is not groundbreaking and sadly, it's less than memorable.