Skip to main content

IN REVIEW: Cancer Bats - "The Spark That Moves"


Surprise released on April 20 (I know, I'm behind on this one), Cancer Bats' sixth album is their first release on Batskull (their own label), and finds the Canuck hardcore headbangers pressing the reset button in some ways. After moving ever so subtly toward a more accessible and diverse sound over the course of previous albums, The Spark That Moves is laser focused on loud and heavy.

Crafting a record like this is can be a dangerous proposition, as it can feel like a reversion to old sounds as a safety net. Longtime fans will understand, however, that safety isn't job one with this band; that said, there are some melodic moments to be heard. The thing is, they're tucked in among some of the band's most aggressive material to date; when you get a minute to breathe (or, in the case of Fear Will Kill Us All's soft piano intro, 13 seconds), rest assured that it won't be long before you're thrust back into the fray.

As a return to roots, then, The Spark That Moves isn't as contrived as one might think. There are lots of valuable lessons to be learned from being a hard touring band such as this for over a decade, and Cancer Bats are too talented and established now to produce something as raw and thrilling as their debut; still, The Spark That Moves is an incredible reintroduction, a reminder of the damage this band is capable of when they're firing on all cylinders as they are here.

April 20, 2018 • Batskull/New Damage
Highlights Brightest Days • Bed of Nails • Winterpeg

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Year in Rock 2025

  Alright, I've got some explaining to do.   By now anyone who's visited this blog is well aware of how infrequently I've used this space in recent years; aside from the occasional fertile year of content, I really haven't posted all that often over the last five years or so. There are many reasons for this, which have already been outlined in previous apology posts; but, essentially, it boils down to my own laziness and the cold reality that blogs are, like Refused (again), fucking dead. So, I wouldn't hold my breath for a triumphant return to reviews, or even semi-regular posts, but:   a) I feel like Year in Rock posts have always belonged here and, even though I've experimented with different methods of presentation recently and been satisfied, the "blink and you missed it" unveiling via Facebook stories this year was perhaps ultimately a disservice to the records I lauded. After all, cramming the list into short videos isn't too far off from ju...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year in Rock 2014: And the Winners Are...

It's been a long year, and another great one for rock n' roll. While the pop charts were overrun with barely legals obsessed with their asses, rock soldiered on undeterred even as pundits (hell, in some cases even rockers themselves) mourned the genre. Sure, rock didn't dominate the money game in 2014, but that shouldn't evoke sad nostalgia and eulogies. Even for as little perceived impact rock music made, a hell of a lot happened if people had only paid attention. From grizzled vets adding jewels to their crown (Springsteen, Petty) to new beginnings (Against Me!, Antemasque) to happy returns (Faith No More, The Tea Party) and all points in between, rock continued to thrive, evolve and thrill in 2014. Enough talk. It's winning time. Your Year in Rock winners for 2014 are...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hear Me Out: Why Do A Greatest Hits Album?

So, Silversun Pickups announced a "singles collection" today. Now, I'm no expert on "singles" or "hits" compilations; even so, I've got to say this announcement threw me for a loop for a couple of reasons. For starters, isn't it a bit early for a band like Silversun Pickups to be given the "greatest hits" treatment? I know, I know, it's a "singles collection". But, come on; it looks like a greatest hits album, it smells like a greatest hits album, so on so forth. More importantly, though, are these really necessary entities in 2014? I mean, who is this album for? Casual fans who've already downloaded the singles they like or established fans who are expected to shill out $15 for one new song?
1 comment
Read more