Deaf Radio‘s latest album release, “SHELTER,” is an eight tracks album, driven by guitars, rhythm and a definite hunger for movement, with each song adding layers to the band’s sound. “SHELTER” opens with “Transmitter,” quickly setting a mood that revolves around ghostly synths, piano progressions and celestial vocals.

The lyric “Chasing a dream that makes no sense” adds another layer to the mysterious intro of the track, before the album heads in a faster, more urgent direction with “Idling.” The second track is powered by nice fast drums, bass, gritty guitar and synths, the chant “We’re never going to get away” providing a strong chorus moment. The band really comes into their own at 3:43 and you realize how much movement and groove they can bring into a track.

The title track “Shelter” goes another route, beginning quietly with bass and ambient sound, then the drums kick in. At 0:42 the whole band kicks in with action, professionalism and steadiness, giving the song a powerful lift around the lyric “Lay on my hands as the walls begin to fall”. Next is “Levitate,” with drums and picked bass guitar, creating the playful line “Celebrate all the small wins dancing near the crowded place.”

Then there’s the fifth track “All My Friends,” and the lyric “All my friends are busy with their own lives” into “oh how it feels to be looking through the glass.” A personal favorite, especially for it’s melody, acoustic and lead guitars and well handled drums. The album concludes with “Big Mistake,” “Tides” and “No Place Like Home,” with “Tides” leaving the biggest final impression. The guitar grit and rock attitude carries the listener along, repeating the energy Deaf Radio have carried throughout “SHELTER.”

Connect with Deaf Radio on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Bleak are back with “The Wave”, a comeback single that hits with the force of something that has been held back for far too long. Caleb’s track was written in 1994 and has a raw rock feel, driven by grinding guitars, purposeful energy, and a sound that suggests the Seattle scene without being a carbon copy. The guitar from the jump sets the track’s weight, and the clean chord progression provides a solid base for the arrangement.

There are two lead guitars, played by different guitarists, that give the song contrast and depth, and Middle Eastern melodic influence is worked into the riffs. Another high point is the drumming, which provides the drive that keeps the track moving without overwhelming its other elements. Another nice touch is the hi-hat work around the middle of the song. Lush guitar licks give the arrangement a little more texture.

Caleb’s vocals are urgent and strong, only adding to the lived-in character of the song. Bleak’s ‘The Wave’: The past built of bones comes back. Fifteen years in the shadows have given it enough character to stand on its own. It’s like raw, gritty rock and roll with no strings attached.

Connect with Bleak on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube