Karnivool - Sound Awake

Tue 2nd Jun, 2009 in Music Reviews

Let’s set the record straight: Sound Awake is not Themata Part 2. Themata, in its own way, was a defining record for Karnivool, firmly ensconcing the Perth outfit in the realm of heavy-rock godliness.

The emergence of Sound Awake, four long years after Themata, throws a challenge to the band’s devotees. Themata grabbed your attention from the get-go, whereas Sound Awake lurks deeper in the consciousness. Or as bassist Jono Stockman puts it so well in the press notes: “Themata was an album of hooks, while Sound Awake is an album of lures.”

The journey begins with the innocent xylophone twinkle of Simple Boy, before the growling bassline rolls in under Ian Kenny’s crisp and resonant vocals. From the outset, the instrumentation is densely layered and propulsive, while never descending into over-indulgence. True to its name, Goliath takes the album into growling, bottom-heavy territory, displaying virtuoso playing from each band member (Stockman’s thick bass and the sturdy drumming of Steve Judd are stars of the show). The vocal-led New Day is something of a release after the album’s opening barrage, with Kenny consummately conveying both hope and disdain. It crescendos furiously, leaving no doubt that the songwriting is stronger than ever this time round.

Lead single Set Fire To The Hive is perhaps the – œheaviest’ track on the album; a demented and frenetic fusion of sounds that just works. Distorted vocals, powerhouse skins-bashing and a fist-pumping, moshpit-churning chorus make it a breathless ride. In contrast, Umbra lurks as close to a ballad as possible, before soaring into a grand explosion. By now Sound Awake has truly taken hold. Another deviation comes with All I Know, which is possibly the most – œdanceable’ inclusion on the album. Its upbeat riffing and unmistakeable groove sees the band pushing their instruments in new directions.

The Medicine Wears Off serves as an intermission to the second half of the album, which is where Karnivool really expand their musical boundaries. The Caudal Line’s complex time signature bombards the senses, until Kenny swoops in and tie the piece together. The dense riffs and intense, building drums continue on Illumine; yet another showcase for Karnivool’s accomplished musicianship. No doubt thanks to the sure hand of producer Forrestor Savell, no band member’s part is overshadowed or swamped in the mix.

Mighty ten-minute epic Deadman unfurls like a flower bud, emerging as a majestic affirmation of the long gestation period between albums. A reference to Themata kicks in with Change: Part One, reprising the xylophone motif of opener Simple Boy. The aural rollercoaster tears hauntingly to a close with Change: Part Two, showcasing the many musical facets of Karnivool. Over its epic length, Change sees the band chart shifting moods and arrangements. The same light and shade is conveyed through Kenny’s vocals; as dexterous here as anywhere on the album.

Sound Awake is the band’s finest work to date – an ambitious exploration of sound that borders on sheer genius. Karnivool believe this is an album that listeners will grow to love. With that in mind, relish the second, third or tenth listen. What you discover underneath the many layers may surprise you.

Karnivool’s Sound Awake is released independently on Friday 5 June, through Sony Music. Catch the band at the following shows.

Saturday 20 June – Tivoli, Brisbane
Sunday 21 June – Tivoli, Brisbane
Wednesday 24 June – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 25 June – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Friday 26 June -The Forum, Melbourne
Saturday 27 June -The Forum, Melbourne
Sunday 28 June – HQ, Adelaide
Wednesday 1 July – Metro, Fremantle