Fans of bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, Deftones and Porcupine Tree should feel right at home listening to this quintet out of Montreal QC, which is about to drop their self-released full-length LP Inward/Outward on March 18, 2014. The production on this album reminds me of the sound on early Tool efforts, namely Opiate and Undertow, where the vocals were very much in front of the mix. Tool’s vocals seemed to take a few steps back in later releases which allowed the rhythm section to fill some of the space in front. MIRE’s vocalist, J.P. Lachapelle, delivers a wide range of dynamics and emotion in his singing, from soft whispered parts to full-on intense screams. Like the bands that influenced them, MIRE has a firm grasp on the use of dynamics in their song writing, making each track more of a composition than just a song. They skillfully weave a sonic tapestry full of rich textures and vibrant colors, soft piano melodies that stitch effortlessly into some serious headbanging guitar riffs. Inward/Outward takes us on a journey through a musical landscape filled with compelling rhythmic patterns and thoughtful lyrical content.
“Their sound is hypnotizing and the lyrics are thought provoking.” – Collectively Beautiful
Photo Credit: Carl Lessard
“We created this with our guts and have dared to explore a less common style of metal where the music is less obvious and sometimes requires the individual to have more than one listen before being able to grasp and really appreciate every musical element,” says guitarist Massicotte of the album.
From the opening track, Complex, MIRE’s guitarist Dave Massicotte hits us with some chunky guitar riffs that proceed to blend and weave between some lighter delay-soaked arpeggio sections. Throughout the album, Massicotte creatively uses his effects much in the style of Billy Howerdel of A Percect Circle, Steph Carpenter from Deftones, or Tool’s Adam Jones, creating ethereal and atmospheric elements yet keeping things minimalistic at the same time. Some brilliant examples of these techniques can be found throughout the 2-part “Limitless”, of which Limitless Pt.2 can be found below as a free download, and there is a brand new video for this track as well. Check it out below.
Complimenting Massicotte’s guitar work is drummer Stephane Boileau, whose rhythmic style drives the music forward, and keeps the listener focused on the development of each song as the percussion works its way in and around the patterns established by the guitars, forming a symbiotic relationship between the melodic and percussive aspects of each new track.
“Euphoria and excitation; the path chosen by these five musicians is exceptional. Very positive and down to earth” – Journal L’Exemplaire
Apart from the two-part Limitless, some of my other favorites were Complex, Tyrannicide, and Beast and the Machine, each track bringing out new aspects of MIRE’s song writing abilities, and in doing so highlights the complexity of some of the material that is born out of their process. If I were to be critical of anything on this album, it would be that, to the casual listener, some moments may seem derivative of some of MIRE’s influences. However, I like what MIRE has created on this recording and I believe that as the band evolves so will those elements that are truly unique and wonderful…this album is full of those wonderful moments. I think MIRE is a band to keep your eyes and ears on, and I look forward to seeing their territory grow.
“They certainly leave their mark. They are a diamond in the rough. The perfect place to be. They certainly bring Prog Rock back and then push it forward to another dimension. Lead singer, J.P. has what it takes to rip your heart or leave a tear hanging desperately on the edge of your eyelash. MIRE’s album « Inward:Outward » is a damn good start.” – Curtains Up
| Track Listing: Inward/Outward 1. Complex (7:18) 2. Tyrannicide (5:33) 3. Limitless (Pt. 1) (3:47) 4. Limitless (Pt. 2) (3:22) 5. Convolution (1:23) 6. Beast and The Machine (5:53) 7. Catalan Atlas (5:05) 8. Mantra Cymatic (1:51) 9. Open Circle (5:42) 10. Upheaval (1:19)Total Length: 41:17 |
Album Credits: • All songs performed by: Mire • All songs written by: Mire • Produced by: Mire & J.P. Nault • Mixed by: J.P. Nault • Mastered by: Ryan Morey • CD Cover, Album Artwork: Diego LealDiscography 2014 – Inward / Outward – LP 2010 – MIRE (Self-Titled) – EP |
FREE SONG DOWNLOAD!
Free Download on Soundcloud – Limitless Pt. 2
Free Download on Bandcamp – Limitless Pt.2
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