A psychedelic experience that pushes boundaries
Waste a Saint’s latest creation, Ravenous, opens with plenty of distortion, as promised. Their sound is eclectic, offering the perfect balance of angst, melody and emotion. Right off the bat, “Schizofriendia” boasts powerful lyrics rife with grit and intensity. From the vocals to the slightly depressed chord progression, Ravenous offers up early Paramore vibes (think Riot!), with strong vocals and vibrato aplenty. The beat is relentless from one track to the next and fans of power pop with a slight emo edge would definitely appreciate what Waste a Saint has to offer and then some.
“C.M.T.L.” carries on with the album’s intrepid aggression, incorporating layered vocals for a fuller, richer and all-around heavier feel. Instead of a traditional guitar solo, the bass line breaks through the track’s pop-punk instrumentals before making room for the guitar’s gravely power chords. The entire track boasts lyrics akin to a captivating chant that runs parallel to an infectious beat. It’s relentless and for all the right reasons.
But Waste a Saint has more tricks up its collective sleeve, with “Femme Fatale” borrowing Jemina Pearl-esque vocals, enmeshing the occasional scream with deep, emotive lyrics. The result is a visceral, multi-dimensional appeal that tackles a myriad of musical genres.
Each track has remnants of the band’s collective sound while still maintaining its unique idiosyncrasy. Melodies ebb and flow from major to minor chords, working to showcase not only the band’s talent but also their varied appeal in conveying emotions. Behind the scenes, the Waste a Saint’s recording engineers manage to retain the band’s distinctive sound without making the finished product too commercial to be recognized in concert.
There are plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy Ravenous without feeling obligated to headbang. Tracks such as “Avoid my Wits” prove that Waste a Saint can embrace a power ballad with as much vigor as they attack their more dynamic songs. Any band can create tracks that excite, but the staying power lies within artists who push boundaries, experiment with unabashed enthusiasm and refuse to settle for anything less. Waste a Saint ticks all those boxes and more, making them a psychedelic experience infused with a distortion pedal that simply knows no bounds.
Leave a Comment