Album Review: Split Chain – motionblur (Epitaph)

Bristol-based self-described nu-gaze band Split Chain showcase their broad-minded, unconstrained approach to music on their much-anticipated debut album, ‘motionblur’, out July 11th via Epitaph.

The definition of being genre defying, Split Chain’s debut album comes with lofty expectations, but to what should be the surprise of no-one, it lives up to those demands, and then some.

Everything great about this band, the way they spectacularly combine everything from nu-metal to shoegaze to grunge to rock to alternative metal, and so much more, is on display here and it’s consistently immersive. Especially as it all makes so much more sense once you spend time with the album.

Split Chain have big ideas, and the album showcases their wild imagination in vibrant glory.

Did I mention that it’s also one hell of an anthemic listen too? Because it is. So many of these tracks are infectious and in uniquely different ways. Take Rookie and who am i for example. The former is Split Chain, heavy, rocked up and delving into post hardcore territory, while staying robustly alternative sounding, with a retro twist. Whereas the latter is poppy, utilising effects well, and has one of the album’s catchiest choruses.

Different, but equally brilliant, Split Chain at their best. I get goth rock vibes with the latter, and the tape changeover is a cool touch.

That each track also comes with a ton of heart, plenty of passion, and a meaningfulness that connects in a special way, just makes the album even better. It is very easy to love this band, and a major part of that comes from their authenticity.

That and their creativity. That’s why we can continue to enjoy the likes of SPIT, where the Deftones influences are stronger and more notable. The likes of greyintheblue and its thick riffs twisted around a dreamy style of gazey rock. Or the likes of the punchy heft of Subside with its wilder and more intense vocal style, and the spectacular Headway with its bright and brilliant chorus. Trust me, it will be stuck in your head for hours after.

Although it’s fair to say the album as a whole is addictive and utterly digestible. Even when Split Chain are throwing out five+ minute finals like my mistake… What an emotional finish this is too. The tone is miserable, but it’s such a dramatic truck, it’s impossible to not love. The ramping up of power? *Chef’s kisses*

Split Chain have delivered everything I wanted from them, and more, with this debut record. It is a spectacular showcase of who they are and what they are capable of, and this is only their bloody debut!

The moment it ends, you’ll find yourself starting it all over again, and for me, that’s the surest sign of something good. Split Chain have arrived, and their impact is only just beginning to be felt.

Split Chain – motionblur Track Listing:

1. Under The Wire
2. 0bored. tired. torn
3. I’m Not Dying To Be Here
4. Rookie
5. who am i
6. SPIT
7. greyintheblue
8. The Space In Between
9. Subside
10. Headway
11. my mistake…

Links

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Epitaph