A few weeks ago, when we were premiering the latest single from Infinity Shred, I mentioned the wide range of emotions which the track evoked. Little did I know that this was just the tip of the iceberg. Whereas earlier releases had a definite dark edge to them, focusing mostly on the ultra-modern aesthetics of the synth-wave which informs much of the band’s musical style, Forever, A Fast Life is a much broader affair. It draws on the styles of bands like 65daysofstatic and sleepmakeswaves to evoke a certain grandness, a sense of adventure that had always been lurking at the outskirts of Infinity Shred’s music. Here, however, it has been brought front and center, fueled by big guitars, soaring synths, and punchy drums, casting a wide emotional net to bring forth an album which almost seems made from light.
That previous single we premiered, “Long May Run”, is one of the best examples of this but by no means the only one. For example, another track worth highlighting is “Earth”. It’s opening guitars, soft and filled with potential, remind us of the above-named sleepmakeswaves and some of the latter tracks from Love of Cartography. However, the distinct Infinity Shred synths are very much present, channeling a more 80’s influenced kind of tone. This is all before everything explodes into furious action, backed by robust drum parts, cymbal heavy and present, which even erupt into blast-beats from time to time. That powerful groove section, layered below the rich synths and echoing guitars, is incredibly effective in setting the tone for the track. The quiet segments, interspersed throughout, contrast with these heavier parts beautifully and create that catch-in-your-throat feeling of wonder, expectation and adventure.
It also helps that the track transitions beautifully into the closing track, “What’s Different Now?” The main synth line of “Earth” is singled out, repeating and talking to itself over the last few seconds of the track, metamorphosing into something even more evocative and enticing. “What’s Different Now?” picks it up and adds a joyful clapping/click track to it, which lends the composition an airy, light-weight vibe. It’s no mistake that Infinity Shred choose to end this album with such an ethereal sort of vibe; it speaks to the brighter, more far-flung sensation that they spend the entire album creating. By the time “What’s Different Now?” elaborates even further on the preceding synth line, making from it a variety of progressions and ideas, your heart should be well and truly soaring.
Make no mistake, the darker vibes we mentioned earlier are certainly present on this album as well (like on the excellent “Cranemaker”, which set any ZETA fan’s heart at ease) but they’re used for contrast and framing. Forever, A Fast Life is mainly about Infinity Shred seeing how massive, hopeful, energetic, and wide-eyed they can make their sound. It maintains their identity and style, both underrated in our community, and elaborates on it, making an album that’s fit for our times like a cool glass of water is fit for a man trekking across a desert. Perhaps this release is what will finally get them the recognition they deserve, as one of the best bands working in the spaces between post-rock, synthwave, metal, and EDM. One can only hope. Until then, we shall live forever, lost in the myriad of beautiful sounds which this album creates.
Forever, A Fast Life releases tomorrow, August 23rd. Do yourself an aural favor and head on above to the band’s Bandcamp page to pre-order it. I promise you won’t regret it.