Melbourne 90’s flavoured rocks Cicadastone are back with their album “Future Echoes”. Their first album for XMusic and how does it stack up to the first two?
My introduction to the band was in 2018 first saw the band on a multi band bill, I can’t recall exactly where that was but if memory serves me correctly it was at Max Watts when it was known as the HiFi Bar. I purchased a copy of the band’s debut album, 2016’s “Chance Collide” at that show as I was impressed with the band’s sound and the performance they delivered that night. These guys were doing something different, their sound had captivated me and brought me back to the early to mid-nineties where my attention had been caught by bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, or as I called it grunge with substance. Songs with great riffs, musicality with hooks while still holding a darkish veil in front of them.
In all honesty if this band existed during the height of Alice In Chains they would have been household names internationally.
Over the years I came to know the band and followed what they were doing, ultimately becoming friends with them and most importantly continued as a fan.
2021’s “Cold Chamber” the band’s sophomore release was another level and the time between albums had been five years. The band had grown in their writing and production ability yet again.
As we all know 2021 wasn’t the kindest of times for anyone especially a band with new music. Live shows were pretty much non-existent which made promoting a record in its natural habitat, live nothing more than a dream. The succession of great singles and clips kept engagement high from that album. The band played a handful of shows between the album’s release and 2023 but unless you were aware of the album it got missed through poor support and promotion from the bands previous label. Cicadastone have always been in control of what they did and how they presented themselves to the world. Their music clips were always a highlight and a true testament to the vision and drive of the band. The Robins brothers May and Mark being the steering forces in creativity.
Like their successors “Future Echoes” was recorded, produced and mastered by frontman Mat Robins at his Coloursound Studio. Their signature sound is still there but something has evolved this time. There is something fresh, special and extra about this group of songs. Perhaps it’s the incredible production on this record. Perhaps it has to do with a new energy behind the drum kit in Ethan Robins. Perhaps it’s the gelling of a sound and style that was still growing.
‘Cellophane’ opens the album and simply grabs you by the throat with its killer riff and hooky chorus just sticks. For me this is the perfect start to “Future Echoes” it has shadow and light along with a ripping solo and really does make a statement from the word go. This is the song that if I had to suggest someone listen to in introduce them to the band, this is the track.
‘In The Crossfire’ the first single from the album continues the theme and has beautiful separation in the recording of both guitar parts. Everything is in its place here.
‘Broken Souvenir’ is a darker riff and utilises that heavily layered and doubled vocal that has such a solid and concise Alice In Chains nod to it. It’s another shining moment on the record.
‘Skeleton Key’ has a slightly droning feel to it and continues a little deeper into the darkness and grit. It’s the way it is delivered that truly makes this song engaging. The choice of guitar tones is genius in the way they complement each other so well in contrast.
‘Burn Your Name’ takes the albums first real twist with its lush introductory soundscape and floating vocals it moves into a mid-tempo track that has dynamics that simply kick in all the right places. The performance on this track has to be one of this album’s finest moments. The haunting double vocal lines at the three-minute mark of this track is an absolute treat.
‘Future Echoes’ and ‘Shadows In An Empty Room’ both have a warmth, beauty and simplicity to them. Slowing things down to take an almost acoustic approach to this couple of songs shows so much depth and versatility in the way they sound. While the elegance of the acoustic feels in both of these songs are simply charming it is the contrasts within these two songs that gives them so much feel from soaring guitar solos to dirty bass undertones it’s all there. Arrangements are clean and give you moments where you expect it to go one way only to find it takes the complete opposite route. This pair of songs are a nice interlude before everything kicks back into gear with the albums third single ‘Last In Line’.
The raw guitar tone of the intro to ‘Last In Line’ has some serious teeth to it. It has a slight Queensryche like structure to it that in many ways wouldn’t feel out of place with their classic albums while still standing strong in that Alice In Chains realm. It’s a killer combination of two of Seattle’s finest bands in one track.
‘Take The Fall’ is possibly the most straight forward track on the album for me. Great song and performance but just didn’t have me hitting repeat at the end to take it all in again.
‘Fear Within Our Grasp’ is a gritty stomper of a song. Razor sharp guitars, huge drums and a groove that pulls you in.
‘This Hurricane’ the vocal harmonies at the beginning of this song are just so lush. I remember the goosebumps that it left me with the first time I heard it completed. It still gives me chills. The song itself is like a tidal pull as it gently pulls you in and holds you as it swirls and sways. Possibly my favourite track on the album.
‘Whisper To My Lonely Self’ closes the album with a chugging riff that sees another bunch of amazing performances from all members. The playing on this track is just perfect.
Having been privileged in hearing this album in an earlier unfinished state it was evident that Cicadastone had an ace up their sleeve with this album. Finished and ready for release they hold all the aces in plain sight. There is something about this album that makes it such a solid listening experience. For me it’s a record that I have appreciated the most while in the car. It’s a driving rock record that simply immerses you. It’s also a treat through headphones as the detail in each track is incredible.
Lyrically each track is well written and tells an exacting story, its deep, its engaging and in many ways it’s a series of well told stories. Vocally the performances sit so well to tell the stories.
Bassist Tommy Sunset has such a great collection of tones throughout this album. Each part driving solid foundations with a force to be reckoned with as he holds so much drive, power and warmth in these songs.
In all honesty the performances on this record are all stellar and placed so perfectly. The layers and depth in this record are just outstanding.
Drummer Ethan Robins just shines in his interpretation and playing on the collection of songs.
Guitar wise there is a clear separation between Mat and Mark’s parts that play so well together. Effortlessly they swoop in and out of each other blending beautifully but also able to create a light and shade, almost a darkness at times that really makes each song a journey of discovery.
For me this is the most comprehensive Cicadastone album, full of magical moments and the production is just incredible. While the album hit hard in the environment of the car it is best enjoyed loud and through headphones. This is no one play pony it deserves so much time and attention, I urge you to check it out.
