United Nations The Next Four Years

Sometimes, it's good to let loose. Not like Pianos Become The Teeth need to be taught anything about that. Their screamo/post-hardcore work has pushed The Wave along nicely - throaty, driven, powerful and emotive - but, as with any fire, you channel more fuel into it, it'll grow. This ensemble of musicians do that with United Nations. They grow - incandescent, raging, uncontrollable, disturbing and in this album's case, more direct. The Next Four Years is just that as it surpasses how loud and distinct United Nations sounded before. It's in this tone of voice that former Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly re-establishes himself as someone who'll keep knocking on your door, even when written off, and frames himself as the gasoline for the keg. This album is violent, dark, full of anger and explosiveness - and one you shouldn't miss out on.

It feels like the little brother to Deafheaven's Sunbather as there's a comprehensive black-metal flag waved by so many of the tracks. The previous United Nations work felt a tad cursory and left a lot of room for the band to map out but this record takes a deep breath and sprawls in the most ideal manner whilst unlocking its potential. UN took their time, tailored it to suit and curtailed nothing that would take away from the noise to ensue. Heavy screamo, melodic riffs and stomping, lightning-fast kit work provide the instrumental canvas that PBTT expound on, graciously, and much to the delight of fans of Old Pride and The Lack Long After. If this record teases the composition of the new PBTT full-length later this year, then I'm sold already. The fluidity and incessant banging never let up as heard on "Meanwhile On Main Street" and "Serious Business" - which are the opening one-two salvo that leaves you stunned and breathless....Renaldo69

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