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Arguably, the post-hardcore genre is one that\u2019s filling up fast \u2013 often with recycled-sounding material \u2013 which leaves stand-out bands a smaller chance of being noticed. However, it\u2019s not hard to see that Italian quintet Fall of Minerva<\/b> will cast some light on this. With atmospheric instrumental soundscapes and hard-hitting vocals, their debut full-length \u2018Portraits\u2019<\/i> does what it says on the tin and delivers.<\/p>\n
Opening with \u2018Beyond the Pines\u2019<\/i>, you\u2019re welcomed into a world reminiscent of a mixture of early Pianos Become the Teeth and The Elijah as ethereal guitar tones ring out before pangs of poignant lyrics are projected. Following this is the heavier \u2018Novocaine\u2019<\/i>, carried by more notable heavy percussion and moments of tremolo guitar which is always a bonus in my books. An incredibly powerful track, surprisingly emphasised by the nails-on-a-chalkboard screeching noise which comes midway through. Another stand-out, the melodic \u2018Green Ghost\u2019<\/i> is a soothing melancholic number well worth replaying.<\/p>\n
The record continues consistently with a main shining feature being the use of infectious guitar melodies and cleverly paced percussive elements. However, the eighth track \u2018Sguardi nel Buio\u2019<\/i> comes as a pleasant break for the album as it makes for a vocal-less, peaceful first few minutes of ambience, but later turning into macabre violin symphonies – pretty eerie stuff. The penultimate track \u2018Grave of the Fireflies\u2019<\/i> abruptly kicks in with its structurally good yet slightly filler-esque nature as there\u2019s not a particular part that sticks in the mind afterwards. Closing on the well-rounded \u2018Ask the River\u2019<\/i>, they\u2019ve shown exactly what they\u2019re all about.<\/p>\n
Fall Of Minerva<\/b> have not been afraid to experiment with their influences in this ten-track record, putting on an impressive front and breathing life into an arguably unoriginal genre.<\/p>\n
4\/5<\/p>\n