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Since starting up in 2009, STATUES have played, and toured, with the likes of NORTHLANE, ROLO TOMASSI, EVERY TIME I DIE, BEING AS AN OCEAN and STRUCTURES. They are a 5 piece hardcore band from Perth, Western Australia, and another fine example that supports Australia’s recent success in metal.
Falling just short of 40 minutes, the album comprises 12 polished tracks that really show of the hard work and talent behind this record. As an album, it flows really well, and never is there a dull moment. This album is consistently hectic, but with time changes and different styles within each track, there is something for everyone.
The opening track sums up the whole album. Massive drums, massive riffs, massive growls… exactly what you want from an opening track, and one that sets the pace for the rest of the record. Drummer, Daniel Harper, really thrashes the skins in this track and I’m pleased to say, that energy flowed throughout the entirety of the album.
The band take influence from such bands as DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE CHARIOT, and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. This is very clear throughout the record. For fans of DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN this will be very apparent. This mix of clean, distorted, fast paced instrumental parts accompanied by raw, gritty vocals, is something which DEP fans will be accustomed too.
Lyrically this album takes a social and political approach throughout. Statues have spoken openly about how they want this record to speak freely about issues, but not directly aim it at anyone in particular.
Vocalist, Jayme van Keulen explained his approach on the vocals for this record by saying, “I feel like words become an instrument just like a guitar, or a drum or anything like that, and that it can be felt just as much as understood”. This approach is very clear throughout, and plays a major part in the original style that Statues bring to the Australian hardcore scene.
Bassist, Matthew Templeman describes this album as “A beautiful outlet of frustration that is overwhelmingly positive. At the same time we’re not angry at anyone specifically, it’s not ‘fuck you’, but it’s about coming together and releasing emotion in a way that is positive for everybody”.
A misconception associated with a lot of hardcore bands is that the style is just aggressive and destructive. This is where I think Statues will go on to succeed. With the likes of Stick To Your Guns and Northlane aiming their material in a positive manor, Statues are in pursuit.
As an album, I think this sounds very promising. There is certainly a lot to shout about and I think they have managed to reign in the misconceptions associated with hardcore. Like a lot of hardcore, I think this style is not the most accessible but, I think with interlude tracks like ‘I Want Peace’ and ‘Hope Is’, Statues have taken the right steps to making their style open to a wider audience.
This album definitely deserves a listen. There is a lot on offer, and could easily be missed with the associations made with stereotypical hardcore bands. Statues are far from them, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from them, and hopefully live in the UK and Europe too.
Statues is
Jayme Van Keulen – Vocals Scott Kay – Guitar John Overthrow – Guitar Matthew Templeman – Bass Daniel Harper – Drums
Mixed by Matthew Templeman and Mastered by Simon Struthers, ‘Together We’re Alone’ is an aggressive, yet honest record, making Statues stand out as one of the most unique hardcore bands in Australia. OUT 9TH JANUARY.
Review by Siôn Roe
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