AfterWake – “TIL” [EP] [Album Review]

I like EPs because they’re short and sweet, like me. TIL by AfterWake is a three-track recording of the bouncy and progressive variety with that Canadian kindness that apologizes, even if you’re the one in the wrong. You’d think that that sentence couldn’t possibly help you understand what this music sounds like, but when you listen to it, you’ll hear what I’m saying. It’s fantastic!

Track 1 –“Misdirection,” initially gave me a Twelve Foot Ninja vibe. It’s in a minor key and bouncy, but not that dissonant. The vocals are super-melodic, and when the chorus hits an ethereal sentiment sinks in. Bridge guy has a few grrrr vocals, which I dig, but even if you’re not super into harsh vocals, don’t fret. The beautiful, gentleman vocals come in shortly. THE LOWERED, HALF STEP transition into the theme riff is bauce. It somewhat catches you off-guard, but when you think about it, it’s perfect.

Track 2 – “This Is Living” (feat. Nick Johnston), features guitar virtuoso Nick Johnston, obviously, and it’s everything I could have dreamed of. Clutch. This track has some feels and clean guitar parts that remind me of P I (aka Periphery’s self-titled album). The clean and overdriven guitar parts pair really well with each other, kind of like liver, fava beans and a fresh Chianti. It’s silly how talented the songwriting is. Why haven’t I heard of these dudes before??

Track 3 – “The Way You Were,” a perfect conclusion to this three-song journey. Syncopation abounds, and the background vocals are super dope. They’re subtle, a little “ahhh ahhhh,” so keep your ears peeled. Things get a bit jazzier on this track. When the solo kicks in, be warned that your shoulders might develop a mind of their own and shrug to the rhythm of djent (not really that dj0nty per se, but the percussive attack of the notes made me go “djen djen … djen djent” with my mouth, so it’s game imo).

I wrote all that nonsense just to say this: this band knows what’s up. If you have any respect for yourself, you’ll listen to it and smile, or smirk, depending on what kind of person you are.

TIL Track Listing:

01. Misdirection
02. This Is Living (feat. Nick Johnson)
03. The Way You Were

Run Time: 13:40
Release Date: November 17, 2017

Stream the full TIL EP right now, dudes!