Originally formed in Pennsylvania in 2007, Balance And Composure’s original tenure lasted for twelve years during which they released three critically-acclaimed albums and two highly regarded EP’s. Reformed and refreshed, the band made a welcome comeback in 2023, hitting us with a surprise single that proved they’d lost none of their charm. Releasing their fourth album (and first in eight years) this Friday, with you in spirit is a welcome addition to the band’s discography that’ll sate their fanbase and pick up a multitude of new fans.
“Quiet storm” is an oft-overused phrase but in the case of album opener ‘restless’ it couldn’t be more apt. True to its lower case title, ‘restless’ is an insidious little imp that will gradually ingratiate itself into your psyche and before you realise will become part of your psyche. It’s hypnotic and ethereal and means that when ‘ain’t it sweet’ kicks in, it’s with some force. It is refreshing to note that Balance And Composure sound like no one but themselves; from their early recordings which owed much to the likes of Nirvana and Title Fight (at least stylistically) the band have developed a sound all their very own. It is heavy on the emo; tracks such as ‘cross to bear’ have guitar lines that wrap themselves around your heart liked barbed wire and tug on the listener like an anchor attached to a drowning man. Balance And Composure are a heavy pall, a leaden sky and an impossible weight (and if you need proof, just listen to the bass rumble on ‘Sorrow Machine’); it takes skill to find the beauty in the darkness, but this quintet mine the depths and bring back jewels for your delectation.
It feels as if the band’s four year hiatus has been a real boon and Balance And Composure have come back a more focused beast and I wish more artists would follow their lead rather than going through the motions. It feels as if this is the album they wanted to (needed) to make and subsequently ‘closer to god’ and their ilk have an authenticity that cannot be faked; this is an unashamedly emotional album and anything less from the band would fall short. Produced by Will Yip (and released on his Memory Music label), with you in spirit is one of those rarefied records that connect with the listener on a primordial level and will resonate long after the disc has stopped spinning.
Welcome back, guys!
- with you in spirit is released via Memory Music Label on 4th October 2024.
- Official Website | Instagram | X | YouTube Channel
Track List:
1. restless
2. ain’t it sweet
3. any means
4. cross to bear
5. believe the hype
6. lead foot
7. sorrow machine
8. a little of myself
9. closer to god
10. with you in spirit
