Area 11
Modern Synthesis
(Cooking Vinyl)
Modern Synthesis is a great example of a band on the cusp of greatness but clearly not quite there yet. Area 11 is UK hybrid rock band who are going for so many different things at once that it actually works out more often than not. The album is certainly synth-based, but they aren’t an electronic band or looking to be the next Bring Me The Horizon. It’s filled grandiose songwriting and massive riffs, but aside from one obvious (and largely successful) tune, they aren’t trying to be the next Muse. There’s also a decisive punk/hardcore bend that brings to mind Enter Shikari or a more focused I See Stars (especially “Versus”). While it is certainly an uneven listen, Modern Synthesis is bursting with ideas. The problem is that not all of them go over quite as well as others.
Area 11 want to be a massive, big stadium type band, and their love of balladry does them no favors. “Angel Lust” is an odd piece that seems to keep building, but the conclusion is unsatisfactory. Elsewhere, “Processor” is their long, piano-driven epic song that doesn’t quite justify its existence. It’s overwrought and doesn’t work as well as it could if shortened from its almost 7-minute run-time. Thankfully, “Red Queen” is a shining example of how to do this correctly, with a big chorus that feels earned, and a pulsing underlying beat. The harmonized vocals are a great addition, and they highlight that vocalist Sparkles* (shrug) has a powerful voice that gets a tad too nasally when stretched. He feels like a product of a bygone era, certainly from the Claudio Sanchez school of high tenors. Sparkles* is best when he doesn’t hit his upper register, or when the band goes the harmonic route.
While the slower tracks are a mixed bag, when Area 11 speeds things up, the results are great. The first three tracks showcase different ways the band implements their synth-heavy, punk-influenced formula to wonderful effect. Sparkles* voice works very well. The only minor misstep is how closely that synth melody on “Watchmaker” gets to outright Muse forgery. It doesn’t rise to Melania Trump levels, but it’s quite obvious. Later on, after an odd run of slow tunes, “After the Flags” and “Nebula” reintroduce some much needed energy. As much as Area 11 wants to be the next big thing in rock, they are best when they let their weird flag fly. These songs recall a mix of Coheed and Cambria with something more classic rock. “Nebula” in particular ends with a huge symphonic undercurrent and a wonderful (if a bit quick) guitar solo. Area 11 can impressively pull off a wide range of sounds, but Modern Synthesis feels like a transition record. There’s a great record hidden inside some lackluster tracks, and if they can build on the momentum from those songs, Area 11 could be a great rock band, but they’re not there yet.
Purchase Modern Synthesis here: iTunes | Physical
