There is something to be said about the resurgence of indie record labels that take the time to curate a specific sound with the bands they work with. You know when you go to listen to a band on that label's roster, you will have an idea of what you are getting into, and Brace Cove Records is a label that does this impeccably. After writing an article for Ear Coffee about the most recent niiice. single, I found myself perusing other bands on their list and was instantly drawn to the post-hardcore quintet River Teeth, and their brand new EP Aimless Ghost.
River Teeth is a little more post than they are hardcore, meaning they are not afraid to experiment a little in order to drive home their message. Aimless Ghost's opening track "False Bottom" begins with a swirling pool of dreamlike guitars and twinkling melodies that when the listener closes their eyes, they can start to feel lost as frontman Sam Halvorson sings the lines "I want so badly to breathe/To find the sense of relief in the space that I've found." It is here the listener learns this is not going to be a good dream. With the flip of a switch, the tone shifts and swirling guitars begin to churn as Halvorson's vocals become a blast furnace as he spits out lyrics.
The juxtaposition of fire and fury followed by shimmering melodies make Aimless Ghost a raw and cathartic experience. Just as you thought you'd have a respite from its emotional toll, River Teeth puts their collective foot on your chest as they pin you back to the ground. Nothing adds that impact to their sound more than the band's powerhouse of a drummer Ryker Haeckel. The drum hits provide the point of contact for the massive guitar sound of Jonny Grandel and Tony Anderson and bassist Matt Berglund.
Aimless Ghost concludes with the EP's slow-burning single "Rough Hands" which begins with the band plodding along as Halvorson laments saying "The cold comes back again." He acknowledges his part in the emotional turmoil he feels, the aimless searching for something to give meaning to his existence. "Rough Hands" rises and falls over as the lyrics reach points of realization before it ultimately fades out and the fury becomes a dull roar before the listener is left standing in silent reflection.
River Teeth is probably the heaviest band on the Brace Cove roster, but that doesn't negate the emotional rawness that makes them sit comfortably among other bands on the label. You can listen to Aimless Ghost on Spotify or support the band and purchase the EP through Bandcamp.
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