After performing with internationally acclaimed acts likes Buckcherry, Flyleaf, Puddle Of Mudd, Lacuna Coil, POD, Drowning Pool or Saving Abel, as well as successfully funding the production of a debut studio release via Kickstarter, Seldom released “Damaged”, their first full-length album, in 2014 and performed extensively on a regional basis in support of the release. Mitch Atkinson – vocals, Matt Hernandez – guitar, Sergio Martinez – guitar, Carlos Hidalgo – bass and Bryan Murillo – drums, are already back with a brand new EP, “Black Mirror”; focused on the increasingly symbiotic relationship between society and technology.
This Ep is phenomenal. I don’t know why I was surprised, Seldom has never disappointed. Once again, their sound is calculated with meticulous attention to detail, chord progressions, lyrical content, and a passionate singing style, and heavy overall. While being much more radio friendly they still maintain a truth and vitality that is lacking in much of today’s rock music. With 5 songs that blow you away whenever you hear them, this album breaks through new boundaries.
“Black Mirror” is easily my favorite of the Seldom releases so far. I really liked “Damaged”, but this is what I hoped for from Seldom, though I didn’t expect it so quickly. The musicianship, the lyrics, the passion with which the songs are sung….it’s all here. And, the more I listen to it, the more I like it. While using a familiar song structure ensures Seldom’s accessibility, the true strength lies in vocalist Mitch Atkinson. A powerful vocalist and relatable lyrics are sure ways to win over an audience, but only up to a point.
From the title track and opener “Black Mirror” the sound is as subtle as a slap and then a fist to the face. The production is crystal clear, the levels perfectly mixed (that means an extremely audible bass), the guitars are an even balance of melodic and heavy, and the vocals emotional and strong. And the purity of the sound carries through the entire Ep. Balancing rockers with a ballad (well sort of), the Ep is sure to appeal to just about any modern rock fan. It’s sonically adventurous, yet it’s comfortable and executed with precision.
The vocal and instrumental range is absolutely stunning on “The Grudge”. Lyrically not over complicated, but immensely immersive, this track shifts Seldom from great to awesome! The tight guitar lines, awesome melodic metal riffs, and interesting musical arrangements of this song all add up to one brilliant package in my view. Just when you think these guys are an all-out aggressive band, along comes the brilliant piece of art called “Digital Echoes”. It starts out with very soothing guitar played over an even paced drum beat. Then it picks up with some great guitars, while still maintaining that emotional atmosphere. The choruses change the whole mood before all hell breaks loose.
On “Masquerade” and “Marionette”, Seldom combine elements in rock and metal music to create an assault of razor sharp riffs within a massive wall of sound. The guitarists, bass and drums are the main players on these tracks. They demonstrate their skills to perfection. What the members of Seldom have crafted here is an incredibly melodic, powerful and technically impressive album; one that just fills you with energy.
In Seldom, we finally have a young band with an absolutely insane amount of talent that still can appeal to the masses. There are heavier bands. There are softer bands. It doesn’t matter who they sound like or which subgenre they belong in. Just listen to the album. It’s damn good!
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