Raw and powerful

Quicksand has released their latest album, Distant Populations. Known for their constant separations as a band, Quicksand has remained steady for the past four years as a trio with Walter Schreifels, Alan Cage and Sergio Vega. Their fourth studio album is composed of 11 tracks that bring back the post-hardcore and ’90s era punk that fans have been craving, yet it includes timely themes that are sure to have many listeners experience some sort of emotional resonance.

Distant Populations kicks off with “Inversion,” a killer track that immediately catches people’s attention. The instrumental layout, from the guitar riffs to the drums, seems as though they were inspired by Dave Grohl somehow as they bring to mind Nirvana/Foo Fighters. Nonetheless, this song is an incredible track many will enjoy, especially during future live shows.

The album continuous with the high energy post-hardcore carries with the tracks “Lightning Field” and “The Philosopher.” Both tracks include electrifying guitar riffs that will have listeners moving. The songs are composed in a way that makes it impossible to stay still while listening. There is an itch to simply move along—whether headbanging or foot-stomping, listeners will groove to these tracks.

Also included throughout the album are a variety of heavier sounds with tracks such as “Colossus,” “Katakana” and “EMDR.” All three tracks are led by heavy guitar riffs and accompanied by smashing drums. “EMDR” blows away fans with heavy riffs and drums within the first millisecond and continues to captivate the listener with bewitching electric guitar riffs.

Quicksand channel some 1990s soft rock like Oasis and The Cranberries in their track “Brushed.” The smooth drumbeats accompanied by the acoustic accents and gentle vocals transition fans to the ’90s. Though there is a wide variety of genres in the album, Quicksand does an incredible job of making it flow well. They include a few reoccurring themes that tie everything together, such as touching on the panic the entire world can relate to during the pandemic and isolation.

Quicksand is sure to gain new fans with their latest album, Distant Populations, as it is an incredible composition with a wide range of rock and some new sounds. Raw emotion is what drives the album; it touches on topics many can relate to, such as loneliness and fear. The lyricism and powerful beats are fit for everyone’s enjoyment and, contrary to the album’s title, it is sure to unite populations.