ALBUM REVIEW: The Spill Canvas Returns With ‘CONDUIT’
ALBUM REVIEW: The Spill Canvas Returns With ‘CONDUIT’
It’s been nearly a decade since their last release, the band is back with their long-awaited album.
Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo
The Spill Canvas return with their highly anticipated record Conduit, released via Pure Noise Records. The South Dakota rockers push their limits in rock music, showing off the band’s sonic versatility. After almost a decade without a full release, The Spill Canvas couldn’t deny the pent up inspiration for songwriting, calling for the return of the band. Conduit contains a collection of diverse songs following personal stories of battling addictions, vices, grief and relationships.
High energy and killer guitar riffs play a huge part across the record but are specifically highlighted on tracks like “Architecture,” “Darkside” and title track “Conduit.” “Architecture” kicks the record off by addressing the fact that the reality we live in, is one we built ourselves. The driving percussive beat and rhythmic guitar parts are complemented by hints of strings between the riffs. “Darkside” is a power-pop/rock track that features gritty vocals from vocalist Nick Thomas. The song gives insight into the twisted dynamics of a toxic relationship, and the struggles that come with it.
The band experiments with more on songs like “Firestorm” and “Calendars.” Both subtly highlight trippy and meticulously crafted guitar parts, and a disco-like beat, making for up beat choruses. “Firestorm” showcases the softer side of Thomas’ vocals. The layers of vocals in the pre-chorus and chorus add depth to the track, and again Thomas successfully swings a chorus hook. “Calendars” presents a chiming, disco-like beat, with a layer of twinkling guitar and synth melodies in the background. The song finds it’s originality in the brief pauses for hints of funky bass licks. In contrast to darker themes in other tracks, “Calendars” is about ones lifelong and undying loyalty to someone, “until the calendars quit.”
The Spill Canvas hits the mark on “Cost” and “Akathesia” — showcasing their darker and heavier ways. With heavier guitars and gritty, forceful vocals, “Akathesia” deals with the effects of one’s behavior on loved ones around them — a side effect experienced by those who take antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, something Thomas faced firsthand. Meanwhile, “Cost” covers oblivion — the cost of getting tied up with one’s vices, reflecting on the toxicity of self-hatred and it’s aftermath. Contrastingly, “Blueprints” is contemplative, lyrically dense and overall a track that earns respect for Thomas’ writing. With the passing of Thomas’ mother, he uses music to deal with the grief that comes with the loss of a loved one.
On the other hand, Conduit is filled with softer tracks with strip back instrumentals — presenting raw emotion in a new light that still feels familiar to The Spill Canvas we all knew from the Emo Movement. “Gallon” tackles the internal battles and conversations Thomas has with himself due to his schizoaffective disorder — with “Molecules” capturing the band’s romantic side. The addition of Sherry Dupree-Bemris from Eisley, adds depth to the song’s conversation. She paints a sweeter sound with lyrics that serve as thank you and declaration of love that Thomas has for his wife. These tracks emphasize the band’s strength in their instrumental proficiency.
The record closes with the high-spirited title track — calling attention to the emotional release one needs after experiencing turmoil. Another all too familiar theme within alternative music. The subtle underlying guitar riffs, and in-the-pocket drum grooves end the record on a solid note. It ultimately flaunts the feeling of catharsis the band found in writing the record, highlighting the need for their return.
Conduit is a testament to how much The Spill Canvas can expand within the boundaries of a rock record, and it flaunts the versatility in Nick Thomas’ vocals. The band doesn’t stray too far from their alternative rock roots, making for a comfortable record for fans new and old. Listeners may find solace in the lyrics offered in Conduit’s 30+ minutes, and overall it’s a pleasant listening experience. The Spill Canvas show off new sides of their musical capabilities upon their return with this record.
