The reliably brilliant alternative
rock band InMe have used the PledgeMusic scheme to release their fifth studio
album, ‘The Pride’. A generous donation was made to the Alzheimer’s Society
once their target figure was achieved, and the outcome from all the hard work
is a fantastic album that proves there is still a place in modern music for
bands such as this, who combine a blitz of guitars with passionate and soaring
vocals, weaving together songs that many bands would give an arm and a leg just
to steal a chorus from.
‘The Pride’ kicks off with
‘Reverie Shores’, a flurry of heavy guitars and thoughtful melodic vocals
pacing perfectly, dropping into quiet verses and pushing towards the skies with
a sky-high chorus. Accented notes of pure melody and a progressive direction
give the song an edge, especially with the smooth vocals from frontman Dave
McPherson as he sings such heartfelt lyrics as “I used to feel invincible.” A
sweeping guitar solo comes in towards the end of what is essentially a very
well crafted opening track. ‘Moonlit Seabed’ has steady beats, another riffing
intro along with pounding bass. Guitars drive the verses and they build towards
another enriching chorus. A crazed techno breakdown arrives halfway through the
song, but it doesn’t feel out of place (no matter how insane it seems). Chugs
and slap bass return to the meat of the song (which is fundamentally a love
song) before revisiting the techno breakdown one final time.
Furious drums introduce ‘A Great
Man’, the song exploding into a stop-start burst of guitars, quiet parts again
paired with a big chorus (it’s clear now that these boys haven’t lost their
touch when it comes to writing a hook). Celebratory vocals are instantly
memorable (with McPherson’s Brit twang) as the melodic streak of the song takes
centrestage, providing a catchy track. ‘Silver Womb’ has a mysterious and
magical intro (the metal element of InMe seeming to take a back seat) although
guitars howl once the main riff swoops in. The band really mean business with
this album, that is clear.
‘Pantheon’ pushes the tempo,
combining excellent guitar work with effortless melody, continuing the streak
of fresh and exciting songs. This is the best of the lot so far, the lyrics and
melodies so powerful and the electro beats adding a modern twist. ‘Escape to
Mysteriopa’ is everything as mysterious as it sounds. It’s a tortured slow
burn, with despairing vocals and understated instrumentals (including picked
guitar and an undercurrent of percussion). A wonderful solo drops in towards
the end of the track before a final bellowed chorus provide a real ‘hair
pricking up on the back of the neck’ moment.
‘Guardian’ has accented electro
sounds, more heavy guitars and a distinct change in pace to the last track.
It’s gutsy and ambitious, rarely pausing for breath as it builds to an epic
conclusion. ‘Beautiful Sky Gardens’ carries this momentum with tight
instrumentals and excellent vocals. The uplifting feeling that is common
throughout the album is at its peak here, with much of the song appearing more intense
as the seconds tick on. ‘Halcyon Genesis’ is heavy yet melodic (as all of the
album is) but is unfortunately quite forgettable in comparison to much of the
quality on ‘The Pride’. The melodies don’t quite hit the mark and the execution
isn’t as excellent as anything that has come before it. ‘Legacy’ is a great way
to end the album, the ride drawing to a close on a high note, the band’s metal
edge more evident that before. Additional strings, tight drums and a climactic
end leaves you longing for a return visit and a sudden urge to revisit much of
InMe’s back catalogue.
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