22 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Michael McIlvride - EP Review: Departure

07 Nov 2024 // A review by Scarlett Walsh

Departure is a 4 track instrumental metal EP that captures the multifaceted experience of a journey—both outward and inward. Auckland based guitarist, Michael McIlvride, has created a narrative that’s sonically diverse, combining elements of progressive metal, post-metal, and thrash with moments of atmospheric reflection and guitar prowess. In place of lyrics, we have Michael’s guitar doing the storytelling, giving the listener a feeling of racing toward the unknown, full-throttle and unstoppable.

Departure kicks off with Open Road, a track that wastes no time in establishing the EP’s strong pulse. The thrash drumming rhythm is punchy and captures the feeling of anticipation and freedom. There’s a cinematic quality to the song, as if it’s the soundtrack to a car blasting through an open highway, leaving life behind in the rearview mirror. At the midway point, the track dips into more of a melodic, atmospheric breakdown before revving back up with a spine-tingling solo.

Track 2, Crash & Burn, is perhaps not a desirable description when imagining flying down the highway, but I think that it is aptly named. The drumming rhythm feels darker on this one, keeping up with the fast-paced energy of our intro track, and the guitar work is tight and precise. I thought the addition of hi-hat at the 2:40 mark was a tasteful choice, as it helped to add layers to the sound, giving the track some extra character.

Things slow down a bit more in the first minute of Nomad, the feeling of this one was reminiscent of Broken by Seether, or maybe a Red Jumpsuit Apparatus vibe, giving more of that 2000’s alt-rock feel. I enjoyed the strumming and the tab in this one, it is very pretty while being melancholic, and it went straight to the heart of the emo-kid within me. The last third of Nomad surprised me, I think this was a standout track in terms of display of Michael’s technical mastery. Allowing his instruments to speak for him, creating a palpable atmosphere of longing and passion. It is certainly the track you would put on to stare wistfully out of the window while you’re driving.

Spiralling, our final track, is relentlessly energetic from the first second. It has a bit more of a groove going on compared to the other tracks, which plays over those signature thrash drums once more. Michael closes his EP with a blisteringly fast guitar solo, this one is intense! Even if you aren’t a huge fan of metal, the precision and mastery of these songs is incredible.

 

About Michael McIlvride

Stone Sour meets Intervals in an instrumental rock/metal project by Auckland-based guitarist Michael McIlvride. Lead guitar replaces vocals as the message is communicated implicitly via racing riffs, groovy rhythms, and dynamic phrasing. This was the path of least resistance for Michael to be able to express himself through music, with all tracks and instrumental parts written and/or demoed in the lounge of his flat in Remuera. For a story inspired by travelling unintended routes, this is either dramatic irony or a lesson learned.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Michael McIlvride

Releases

Departure
Year: 2024
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Scarlett Walsh

Gig Review: Jan Hellriegel @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 08/11/2024
10 Nov 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
As I entered the basement venue, Jan Hellriegel was amongst the audience members, chatting with each of them before the opener. Unexpected behaviour from the main act (based on my experience of going to gigs), but it was an indicator of her genuine and personable nature that we'd come to know over the next few hours.
Read More...
Fat Freddy's Drop - Album Review: Slo Mo
24 Oct 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
Following on from the 2024 UK/Europe performances of their Slo Moalbum tour, Fat Freddy's Drop will be back in New Zealand for 6 upcoming shows across the country. Joined by fellow Kiwi artists TOI (Tunes Of I), Coterie, Rubi Du and DJ Logg Cabin, as well as AJ Honeysuckle, Rehekorero and Australian duo The Teskey Brothers for the Auckland and Upper Hutt shows.
Read More...
Reiki Ruawai - EP Review: The Message
13 Oct 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
I had the pleasure of reviewing Reiki Ruawai’s 2024 debut EP, The Message. Hailing from the iconic left-hand break beach town of Raglan, the album cover features a frolicking Reiki leaping across the sandbars.
Read More...
TOI - Album Review: Waves
17 Sep 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
Waves is the 2024 album from the 7-piece ensemble, TOI (Tunes Of I), produced by Wellington based artist and producer Neil MacLeod. Throughout the 10 tracks, you are treated to the true talent of each of these musicians; layers of guitar, trombone, saxophone, synths and keys create a tasteful blend of funk, dub and soul.
Read More...
Nathan Grey - EP Review: Greatness
24 Aug 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
Greatness EP is the August 2024 release from Nathan Grey, a multi-talented artist hailing from Taupo (Ngati Tuwharetoa). This 4 minute 12 second debut was produced by Beatspun LTD which is a studio based in Tamaki Makaurau.
Read More...
TRiPS - Album Review: TRiPS
24 Jul 2024 // by Scarlett Walsh
The self-titled 2024 album TRiPS is the debut release from duo Barnaby Weir and Andy Christiansen. The pair have collaborated with an impressive list of supporting talent to create a psychedelic rock fusion delight.
Read More...
View All Articles By Scarlett Walsh

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem