Of course, Rock is still alive! And, to be honest, even though its popularity may be overshadowed by other musical genres, it will never die. It’s challenging to dismiss a legacy of so many years, where new generations are creating such high-quality music… Such is the case with the American post-hardcore band, Movements.
To be honest, we weren’t familiar with them until recently when a very special person (and a fan of the band) introduced us to them. Without a doubt, they are a group that has consistently released quality compositions. Since their debut in 2017, they have maintained a high standard that has slowly positioned them as a small band with the potential to become very big, as their fan base is extremely devoted.
Today, we are discussing their most recent album, ‘RUCKUS!’
What can we hear?
Youth, courage, and evolution. We appreciate that Movements conducted a careful market study based on the current trends of bands in their genre, creating an album with both heavy and more melodic songs oriented towards Alternative Rock, all while preserving the roots that captivated their fans. There’s a noticeable change in sound compared to their previous albums, somewhat akin to what Bring Me The Horizon did with their album ‘Sempiternal’ (2013), where they opened up to other commercial genres to soften their traditional sound.
Movements’ new sound is simply charming, bringing together elements that appeal to both Post-Hardcore enthusiasts and more relaxed listeners who enjoy genres leaning towards Pop-Rock. A great way to expand their fan base. Much of this interesting contrast is due to Patrick Miranda’s vocal technique, which can be as aggressive as in ‘Fail You,’ where we can even hear screams, or as melodic as in ‘Tightrope.’
We hear a drumbeat with a lot of groove, maintaining its organic sound as in ‘You’re one of us now’, a ever-present bass with a slight distortion as in ‘Lead Pipe’, and guitars with garage-style chords as in ‘I Hope You Choke!’. Four musicians who unleash their instruments with a local band essence, bathed in very pleasant and accessible production.
The feelings of Movements
“RUCKUS!” presents a pivotal moment with “Heaven Sent”, that song you would dedicate exclusively to that person who entered your life, adding so much color and joy, that person who inspires you every day to be a better human being. Movements shows their most romantic and sentimental side in this song, a rock ballad that serves as a moment of connection with the listener’s deepest feelings.
Subsequently, we hear “Tightrope”, a song to win over that special someone. It begins as a ballad but progressively changes with a passive-aggressive percussive rhythm to regain the course of the renewed post-hardcore they navigate throughout the album.
We really like that these two songs are together as they immerse the listener in an atmosphere of emotive sounds, preparing them for the following songs with the heart in hand. A very intelligent auditory psychology that gives meaning to the order of the songs on the album.
Three instruments and one voice...
Normally, when a rock band modernizes its sound, it tends to overproduce and introduce additional instruments beyond their original formation. In the case of ‘RUCKUS!,’ it’s interesting to hear how the band changed their sound while maintaining their original instrumentation. This is commendable, as their principles remain untouchable.
A very good album that can be enjoyed both in moments of concentration and in more relaxed settings. A pleasure from start to finish; we definitely look forward to seeing them live!
What are your thoughts on this album? Do you like the new proposals in rock? Share your comments with us!
