Soul Structure is the debut studio album by British hardcore punk band Higher Power. The album was released on 17 May 2017 through Flatspot Records.
| Soul Structure | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 19 May 2017 | |||
| Studio | Holy Mountain and Mutiny Studios | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 30:16 | |||
| Label | Flatspot | |||
| Producer | Joel Grind | |||
| Higher Power chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from 27 Miles Underwater | ||||
| ||||
Critical reception edit
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Echoes and Dust | Positive[2] |
| Exclaim! | 9/10[3] |
| Ghost Cult Magazine | 9.0/10[4] |
| Punknews.org |   [5] |
| Rock Sound | 7/10[6] |
| Sputnikmusic | 4/5[7] |
Soul Structure was well received by contemporary music critics.
Composition edit
The album makes use melodic singing counterposed by hardcore punk instrumentals.[3] Many tracks incorporate vocal elements of alternative rock.[8] In particular, writer Kieran Mitchell described vocalist Jimmy Wizard's singing as comparable to those used by Jane’s Addiction and Shelter.[4] Similarly, Metal Hammer writer Luke Morton said that the album "channels the band’s influences of melodic hardcore but sounds like Perry Farrell is on vocals".[9] Revolver writer Dan Epstein said the album has a "dynamic thrash/crossover sound".[10] Karol Kamiński of Idioteq.com said the album "is about positive expression of aggression and a form of escapology. It is angry music – but lyrically they convey a lot about themselves as people. It’s about finding a positive outlet for their anger, whether it’s social issues or mental health, it’s adding a social consciousness and depth to what traditionally is quite a one-dimensional genre of music".[11]
Branan Ranjanathan of Exclaim! described the album as "Combining classic NYHC-isms with grooves and melodic vocals reminiscent of Life of Agony, the unit go to great lengths to establish themselves as different from run-of-the-mill hardcore bands — and succeed".[3] PunkNews.org described the album as possessing "all the groove of early nineties post-hardcore while also showcasing a musical style that is innovative in the often-derivative hardcore underground".[5] In an article for Echoes and Dust, the album was described as mixing "East Coast hardcore grooves (think NYHC meets that Boston style) with a looser and more riffy LA vibe a la Suicidal Tendencies and topping it off with a UK hardcore grit".[2] In an article for Rock Sound, writer David Mclaughlin described the album as "the UK’s answer to Turnstile".[6] Kieran Mitchell of Ghost Cult Magazine praised the album for "bridging the gap between pop-punk and Nineties New York Hardcore".[4]
Track listing edit
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Can't Relate" | 2:40 |
| 2. | "Looking Inward" | 3:22 |
| 3. | "Balance" | 2:55 |
| 4. | "Hole" | 2:16 |
| 5. | "Four Walls Black" | 2:24 |
| 6. | "Between Concrete and Sky" | 3:48 |
| 7. | "Burning" | 4:30 |
| 8. | "Embrace" | 1:36 |
| 9. | "Reflect" | 3:40 |
| 10. | "You Ain't Much" | 3:05 |
| Total length: | 30:16 | |
Personnel edit
The following individuals were credited with the production, artwork, and recording of the album.[12]
- Misha Hering — Recording
- James Atkinson — Vocals
- Arthur Rizk — Mixing
- Joel Grind — Mastering
- Sam Bailey — Artwork
References edit
- ^ "Higher Power - Can't Relate Official Music Video". 6 April 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b Brown, Gavin (24 May 2017). "Higher Power — Soul Structure". Echoes and Dust. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Ranjanathan, Branan (17 May 2017). "Higher Power Soul Structure". Exclaim!. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Mitchell, Kieran (16 May 2017). "Higher Power – Soul Structure". Ghost Cult Magazine. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b Fromli, Mike (25 February 2018). "Higher Power - Soul Structure". Punknews.org. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b McLaughlin, David (11 May 2017). "Higher Power - 'Soul Structure'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ "Higher Power - Soul Structure". Sputnikmusic. 28 July 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ Bushell, Glen. "HIGHER POWER – 'SOUL STRUCTURE'". Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- ^ Morton, Luke. "Higher Power: Hardcore without boundaries". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- ^ EPSTEIN, DAN. "MEET HIGHER POWER: POSITIVE HARDCORE WITH "SOUND NO ONE ELSE WAS TRYING"". Revolver. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- ^ Kamiński, Karol. "Leeds thrash hardcore act HIGHER POWER premieres new track". Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- ^ "FSR31 - Soul Structure". Flatspot Records. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
External links edit
- Soul Structure at Flatspot Records