Brace yourself for this one — grab some popcorn and a comfy chair, because you’re in for a long, thrilling ride.
Florida quintet Capstan truly swung for the fences with their third record, The Mosaic (Fearless Records). The album title is very fitting for a band whose music has always felt like a musical mosaic in some sense.
However, for this record, it is clear as day that that’s exactly what they were going for. As a mosaic is a piece of art made up of many tiny pieces, the pieces of Capstan’s mosaic are made up of soaring melodies, elaborate harmonies, guitar shredding, breakdowns, compelling grooves, electronic beats, delicate piano, twinkling synths — you name it.
The band’s ability to tie together so many defining features of varying styles speaks volumes to each member’s virtuosity. Such creativity and ambition have driven Capstan to crank out a whopping eighteen tracks for the double-length album.
The Mosaic is split into two halves, with “I. Revolve” opening the first half. The opener starts with tranquil palm mutes and light piano keys, then suddenly breaks into pummeling drums, heavy guitar chugs and cascading lead riffs. At only two minutes long, this gives you a short but sweet taste of what’s to come. “Misery Scene” is the first full song, whipping out the first earworm chorus and shredding solo of the album.
While most of the record is Capstan putting everything they’re best at on full blast, any album this long needs plenty of contrast and room to breathe so as to not get tiresome.
The acoustic one-take “An Open Letter” provides this for the first act, bringing a charming rawness that any punk or emo fan can appreciate. The band doesn’t hold back on jumping back into the upbeat madness with the following track “Hailey,” throwing together impassioned screams, rapid drum beats, and ripping guitar melodies all at once.
You may need to prepare yourself for aural whiplash at this point, as it only gets more unpredictable from here. From the soft piano ballad “Bloom” through the heavy raging chants of “Empire” to the danceable grooves and jazzy saxophone of “What You Want,” Capstan threw in everything but the kitchen sink to ensure your full attention. “II. Revise” then closes the record’s first half with the classic blend of breakdowns and soaring vocals expected from the band.
“Dwell” kicks off the second act with another slow-building ballad and an epic closing guitar solo that wields a perfect balance of feel and flare. From here on out, there is a new sense of imminence and intensity brewing. “Bete Noire” brings back the thick metal riffs, but not without the theatrical vocal delivery and violin counterpoint that make it instantly recognizable as Capstan.
Following track “Moloch” is pure Metalcore, unleashing barbarous growls and screeching dissonance left and right. Even the ending solo could easily be mistaken for Born Of Osiris. Of course, the next track “What Can I Say” is a cutesy acoustic love song with a banjo — because what else would it be?
As if we didn’t already get enough from this album, the closing title track is a full ten minutes long. It ties together the full spectrum of Capstan’s chaotic style, including the metal chugs, both blast and electronic beats, the shredding, the calming instrumental passages, and the heartfelt vocal belts. At this point, there’s no question how the album got its title.
To say there’s a lot to take in from The Mosaic would be an understatement — it definitely takes a few listens to fully digest. Although it may not be the most cohesive album, Capstan thrives as their true selves through every track, proving themselves as one of the most versatile bands in the scene.
Buy the album here:
https://found.ee/capstan_themosaic
8 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY