Glasses And Ashes

Glasses And Ashes

[4.5/5]

Chaotic post-hardcore powerhouse Glass And Ashes’ previous album, Aesthetic Arrest, came out nearly four years ago. Good thing they didn’t let down those of us anxiously awaiting their new material, kicking off their self-titled follow-up with two of their most straight-ahead, wild numbers. But things really heat up when the band elaborate, crafting lengthy, huge-sounding compositions with gripping intros that give way to meaty, hard-edged songs (see the stellar “Alpha State” and “The Rebuttal,” which features a massively powerful slowed-down second half). The songs are injected with an insane amount of pathos and aching passion (both musically and vocally), making them some of the album’s most exhilarating work. The piece de resistance, though, is a two-track gem consisting of a two-minute tragic instrumental (“Exit Wound”) that segues beautifully into the more rousing, yet still affecting “Count Back From 10.” Gorgeous. (NO IDEA) Janelle Jones