This week I was given the pleasure of reviewing the self-released, full-length debut album of alternative rock band Castor Troy. Nearing their second year together and continually growing in support, they have prepared nothing short of an amazing album with ‘Across The Water’. This band has so many elements I have completely fallen for, from the massive riffs to soaring choruses. Castor Troy consistently delivers throughout the album.
The ethereal melodic beginning with ‘Chapter One’ lead to what I have finally decided is my favourite song of the album, ‘Winter Lights’. At this point, we are introduced to the vocals of Benn Gibson, displaying the strength of his voice and ability to hold those lengthy notes. It’s perfectly complimented by quickening verse and liberating chorus, encapsulated by the line, “they cut off our tongues but it set us free”. The song then simmers down with a slow guitar solo, only to be smashed apart by a massive build of guitars and strained vocals before breaking into a steady melodic outro.
Castor Troy really thought this album through, down to the minor details such as the small interlude of ‘Infatuation’. The chill of the echoing piano shares the riff as the subsequent track, the album’s namesake, ‘Across the Water’. The transition is effortless with a rolling drumbeat, the chug of a guitar layered by melodic bass and guitar. The riff then tears its way in like a smack in the face. This was inadvertently the first track I listened to whilst hurriedly getting ready to leave for college, and it really made me stop, restart and just listen. Its different tempos from double time verses to soaring choruses really make this track diverse in its nature, even down to the refined guitar solo smoothly transitioning back to a chorus before fading. When listening I can’t help but hear elements of Arcane Roots.
The following track, ‘Jenny 23’, has a chugging riff where the bass really comes through. The multiple riffs really kept driving the track making it a highly enjoyable one. Benn’s vocals again having relative ease in matching the power of the riffs as it moves dynamically between loud and quiet.
Castor Troy really got this album right and ‘Across The Water’ makes for a confident first album. The year’s worth of writing really shines through and was highly enjoyable. For me I would love to hear some of the tracks live as they burst with energy; all week I have replayed the same tracks again and again. I already look forward to a follow up as this band can only mature and improve in their sound and are definitely one to look out for in the future. This is definitely worth a listen and I highly recommend it.
4/5
‘Across The Water’ by Castor Troy is out now.
Castor Troy links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Words by George Isaacs (@TryGeorgeIsaacs)
