Even after nearly half a dozen playthroughs, it’s still a challenge identifying a common thread in which to weave together the five tracks of Branches (Self-Released), the latest output from Through Mists’ mastermind James Aniston.
The Montreal-based self-producer only recently got his hands dirty during the pandemic, and there are certainly shining moments of Death Metal, Sludge, Industrial and blackened despair. However, the jarring differences (especially in regards to the vocal deliveries) stymie momentum.
Juxtapositions aside, the titular track does feature efficient drums that tumble and somersault, seemingly hitting either a rock or a tree every few feet on the way down. Additionally, chuggier guitar notes are presented and have room to flourish.
“My Muse” is quite involved in its complex instrumental arrangements. The guitars in fact seem to pirouette towards the end of the track, and the proficiency and technicality overall is on clear display.
A tough nut to crack indeed, though, “Wormwood” houses harsh, whispery vocal lines coupled with industrial-esque guitar chops. And for better or worse, the vocals seem to be giving birth, which is usually a positive, given the style(s) of music.
The eleven-plus-minute closer “Neophyte” is certainly avant-garde in nature, and has a bevy of moving parts which don’t always work in tandem with each other.
Some of these hiccups can certainly be partly attributed to Aniston having been at this for but a relatively short time (though it is apt to mention here that this writer has zero experience in producing, mixing, mastering or even beginning to try to write music, so take any and all critiques with a mound of salt).
Taking it all in stride, though, the Through Mists entity can’t be accused of dragging its feet. Branches was released barely two months following the Prolific EP. In fact, a quick glance at their Bandcamp page becomes a literal grid of releases – twenty-six in all.
So rest assured that if history is any indicator, Aniston has so much more left in his bag of tricks, and he isn’t afraid to experiment and confront challenges.
Branches may not have resonated entirely, but if a band can sell out stadium tours despite having made St. Anger, things can surely work themselves out over time.
Buy the album here:
https://throughmists.bandcamp.com/album/branches
6 / 10
MATT COOK