Terrestrials have today (December 8) released their debut album, a sprawling, 13-track odyssey through alt-rock titled Iridescent.
The Melbourne band open their debut album with the sinister ambience of The Opportunist, which slithers into focus with dark synths and glitch effects.
What begins as an exercise in slow-build atmospherics later becomes something altogether transcendent, with explosive instrumentation and an enrapturing vocal performance courtesy of Scott Alexander.
Punchy drum rolls remain an engaging throughline across the track’s runtime, but it’s never outshone by screechy guitars and clashing cymbals.
Terrestrials add further texture to the track with soaring backing harmonies, which compliment their reflections on resentment and paying the price of opportunism.
The emphasis on melody, in the form of vocal hooks or guitar sections, is felt all throughout Iridescent, with second track One Of Us coasting on symphonic licks and Alexander’s ascendant timbre.
While rock is clearly the sound that defines them, Terrestrials aren’t afraid to explore the reaches of the genre, with great success.
Album standout Hollow Hands deploys pop punk elements with its earwormy hooks and sneering vocal delivery, while Fragments slows down the tempo with a soft-rock energy that coasts on a melancholic bass.
Acoustics get their time in the spotlight on Naysayer, before Canyons delivers a masterclass in garage noise revelry.
It’s a testament to Terrestrials’ talent that this broad sonic palette comes together without feeling like a mish-mash, as the band toy with elements of metal and progressive rock with finesse.
There’s moments of sun-drenched fuzz on Into Minds, and Dreamstay dips into shoegaze flairs while maintaining the band’s knack for noisier elements.
View this post on Instagram
To master a clear sonic trajectory is one thing, but Terrestrials’ pair their soundscape with equally incisive lyricism.
Perennial Trials waxes philosophical rising pressures, filling voids and the hurricane of life, while the purely instrumental Instar makes space for retrospection with glittery electro-pop production, in what marks the album’s most eclectic entry yet.
The band’s efforts culminate on album closer Can You See An Opening?, a fittingly expansive track that traces Terrestrials from gritty grunge to vocal harmonies.
All of it makes for a consistently engaging listen, and ushers in what’s sure to be a breakout moment for Terrestrials. Listen to the band’s new debut album Iridescent below.
