Relenter

One thing I think that sets Relenter apart the most is how what they're doing is so set apart from so many other bands. In Through the Mirror, the band rely on a heavy emphasis on composition, taking songs to near orchestratic heights of production and instrumentation for a three-man rock band. Even in the flickering immediacy of "The Finest Thread," the album's opener, the band set off to a running start with an electro-rock pulse of heavy drumming, staccato keys, and angling guitar hooks, then broaden this, adding an overlay of choral bells and string arrangement to intesify the song's blinding pace even further. "Bombshell" complements a wash of guitars and stormy ride cymbals with synthetic bass and an overtone of atmospherics -- a song for midnight halogen streetlamps and empty sidewalks.

In the song "Scarred," the band take one keyboard phrase at the opening and permutate it, shaping and changing a motif to create these memorable passages that you carry with you. Similarly, at one point in the song "So Inclined," marcato string samples, piano, cymbals, and hi-hats are on high; guitar and synthesizer in the midtones; and drums in the lower registry. "Strange" soars with flaring synth brass and staggering guitars, but the real impactful thing about the song is the way vocals are doubled between Chris Parker and Robert Martz to sing both flat and sharp, acting as both the carrier and the signal. The album ends with acoustic reworkings of "Strange" as well as the ballad "I Said to Her," which highlight the band's desire to incorporate everything from wooden drums, violin and piano into existing songs.

Drawing from both Robert Smith as well as Roland Orzabal (I'm talking "Listen" just as much as something like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"), Relenter is impressively produced synth-rock that, while not as menacing as, say, Tones on Tail, also resounds alongside darkwave and other elements of the goth/industrial scene. At the same time, though a bit harder than their influences, Relenter harbor an ardor for new wave pop that will continue to be relevant and popular 20 years from now. - Innocent Words

This album contains modern day synth-influenced alternative rock with goth and darkwave elements. Imagine the vocals of Echoing Green with assorted band members from Depeche Mode in Black Celebration, early Love and Rockets, and Seventeen Seconds-era of The Cure as a group trying to mold the sounds heard here.

What surprised me throughout this recording are the mellow tracks being the most well-written and the strongest tunes on "Through the Mirror." "Strange (Acoustic)" and "I Said to Her (Acoustic)" (the bonus tracks) both contain beautiful melodic tones from the vocals with piano, cello, and violin swirling around the fuzzy acoustic versions (which I personally like more than the original versions). "In the Beginning" is a piano-based instrumental passage in the middle of a thunderstorm with heavy rain being the back-up band with a little help from the strings.

Besides the groovy ballads, there are a few gems such as: "The Finest Thread" with its Music for the Masses-era Depeche Mode with more emphasis on guitars than the drums or programming. The harmonies contained on " Homefront" are excellent with the power ballad of past pop recordings drenched with simple productions (no "over-polished" Phil Spector stuff here) without the glossy sound. A big standout track for the rockers and to put on the "repeat mode" is the synth-friendly rocker "Scarred," I only complain for louder drums on this tune.

Through the Mirror is a strong debut that deserves its credit for being melodic, keyboard friendly, and containing modern sounds without going into the trend of copying new wave music from 1981 like 500 other bands in the current state of modern rock music. - Openingbands.com

Next was this month's band of the month, Relenter (make sure you check out their interview and album reviews). Relenter has really fleshed out their music and made it faster, and they showed that on stage. With a keyboard, guitar, and drums, they make rock'n'roll with haunting vocals. It was a great set and showed why their latest album, Through the Mirror, is worth checking out. The highlight of their set, for me, was hearing "Bombshell" live. - WPGU - Champaign, IL

Source: www.streamofconsciousness.net/reviews/relenter.htm

My head is fuzzy, my mind a blur. Gazing straight ahead, though my eyes are open, I see nothing. I am calm and collected, lost in the moment. Haunting melodies alone saturate my awareness; I am suspended by the sound. The mood is somber, dark tones and words mellow. Even after the music stops the melodies continue, memorable piano pieces, steady rhythms, enriching synth, and soft vocals reoccurring in my subconscious.
In a rather reflective mood these past few days, I have inevitably established a strong connection to Through the Mirror, the soulful debut release by a trio of musicians from Champaign, IL called Relenter. Full of mood-driven synth/rock splendor, the album has a compelling temperament and harvests an emotional connection that will effortlessly engage any listener.

Engaging beats created by studio drums and electronics set the pace of the beginning track, a catchy tune called “The Finest Thread.” The low notes on a keyboard set a downcast tone while a prevalent electric guitar gives the song quite a rock edge. Musical elements reminiscent of bands such as Depeche Mode, Chroma Key, and Deadsy are evident somewhat in this track, but even more so in others.

The low buzz at the beginning of the title track is similar sounding to the low drones often present in a Deadsy song. The vocals on the album are at times reminiscent of Depeche Mode. The frequent use of the keys and combined electronics present a similar methodology to that of Chroma Key. Yet despite some of these similar aspects, Relenter is altogether unique. The keys present on Through the Mirror are beautifully played and are the core of the album. Songs like “I Said to Her” are wonderfully orchestrated with a piano lining. This lining is what clings itself to the subconscious and dominates thought patterns as the vocal melodies and beats secondarily, yet notably, accompany.

The reflective nature of Through the Mirror absorbs attention and maintains interest. It is an enriching debut release that floods the conscious with melody as the musical patterns pleasantly haunt the subconscious long after the music has stopped.

level of consciousness: 8.5 out of 10... Through the Mirror, I have found, is a very difficult album to describe outwardly due to the introspective path the album insists on taking. It is a rich and full debut release that is a must hear for synth/rock appreciators.

recommended tracks: gotta listen to the whole album!

track listing:
01. The Finest Thread
02. Bombshell
03. I Said to Her
04. Through the Mirror
05. Homefront
06. Strange
07. Scarred
08. In the Beginning
09. So Inclined
10. Strange (acoustic)
11. I Said to Her (acoustic) - streamofconsciousness.net