Bail

Bail have been kicking around for a good 8 years now and I just read that a couple of them were in Collin Kramer. Never knew that! I saw Collin Kramer play with Belle Epoque when I was living in Strasbourg in about 2003-4 - what a great show that was. This record though is also something special. The opening track has me convinced from the off - it's that kind of rolling, melodic and urgent blend of powerful post hardcore and emo that harks back to the 90s. There's a little bit of Native Nod going on and it's driven and urgent. The vocals are bang on - strained and wrought without going over into screamo territory. When it breaks down into a lone guitar line about halfway through the sound is all twinkly before things get more desperate again. There are moments throughout where things get nice and sad like on the brief "Interlude" and the opening to "Triangle #3" before its more desperate second half. The contrast is nicely done every time. "Passerby" might be the standout for me for its urgency and the way it slows down to a lone guitar before the vocals come back and strain to get over the line. This is an absolutely fantastic song. The instrumental last track, "Epilogue" brings the sadness again and closes the record on a sombre note. This band should be talked about a lot more. This is exceptional. I'd heard this record was coming out but had kind of forgotten about it until it appeared in the review list the other day. What a great band, what a cracking record.