The Early November Return With Dynamite Album 'Imbue'

With two albums in the bag and a six year hiatus before the release of their third, The Early November have returned with their fourth studio album, ‘Imbue’ - due for release via Rise Records on the 11th of May.

 

The New Jersey rock ensemble have had their fair share of ups and downs. Dealing with the pressure of their second album after the major success of their first, ‘The Room’s Too Cold’, which ultimately led to taking time off and pursuing solo projects. The band then reunited in 2011 to record ‘In Currents’.  What must have seemed like an incredibly rocky road at the time, turned out to be the path to some of their most incredible work yet, in the form of a record that demands your attention.

The album kicks off with single “Narrow Mouth”, a smashing opening track. Frontman, Ace Enders’ takes the verse calmly with a delightful riff driving him toward a truly epic chorus. The crashing symbols are almost overwhelming as they add to the impact of Enders’ soaring voice. There’s a certain beauty to the tranquility in the verses, before the huge choruses hit.

A personal favourite, “Boxing Timelines” introduces itself with a distorted guitar riff before a steady drumbeat kicks in and Ace takes us along a melodic journey. The real highlight’s in the escalation of the chorus. This band’s absolutely brilliant at building their songs - cultivating the listener's’ anticipation and then rewarding them with huge, anthemic songs; track after track.

The penultimate song, “I Don’t Care”s is a sludgy track laden with dormant energy that’s just threatening to break through in the chug of the guitar or the heavy hands of drummer, Jeff Kummer. It’s a steady number, not as varied in tempo as the other tracks, but it doesn’t take away from the song at all. If anything, it’s exactly what it calls for.

The final track, “Nothing Lasts Forever” may perhaps be the grandest showcase of Enders’ vocals on ‘Imbue’. Not only is it a cleverly written song, but his voice is gruff and wonderfully complemented by blasting drums and fuzzy guitars.

‘Imbue’ is an absolutely dynamite showcase of what The Early November are capable of. The same band, adored by fans, but just supersized. Bigger songs that are probably a result of experience and maturity, but with a youthful energy that’s bound to tug at the corners of your mouth.

To find out more about The Early November click here.

To visit The Early November Facebook page click here.

Words by Renette van der Merve

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