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Architect - Ghost of the Saltwater Machines

Rating

RIYL

Coalesce
Found Dead Hanging
Premonitions of War

Release Date

11/25/2008

Label

Black Market Activities

Tracklist

1. Camelot in Smithereens
2. Uninventing the Wheel
3. Lamplighter
4. Death and Taxes
5. I Am Become Death
6. Casus Belli
7. House of 1000 Habeas Corpses
8. The Dog and Pony Show
9. Traitor

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Recent Ratings
the blakible	Aaron Yarborough
Rick Gebhardt

Within the last little while, there has been a ridiculous amount of bands with names that contain a version of the word “architect.” This includes: Mouth of the Architect, Architecture in Helsinki, The Architects – the lame punk band, Architects – the metal band, Irate Architect, and the band we’re talking about who chose the simplest form of “architect,” Architect (there is also an IDM act named Architect as well). None of which actually sound remotely similar.

While you’re still trying to sort that all out, I’ll get started. Ghost of the Saltwater Machines is the newest effort from the pissed off, non-conformist Syracuse outfit. It is the band’s second full-length after 2007’s All Is Not Lost - an album well known for its intensity. “Camelot in Smithereens” starts out just as loud, noisy and heavy as their last effort did. Don’t let the short, quiet part at the beginning fool you – it is the only remotely melodic section of the disc. To sum up the entire album, it is a mix of sludge, chaotic hardcore, and feedback. Any one of the album's tracks will contain at least one, if not all, of these traits. This is either a good thing or a bad thing. Personally, I think it’s a good thing, however, it does get a bit tired by the end of the album.

What made All is Not Lost so enjoyable was its organic qualities. Everything seemed so natural. This may be the factor that makes Ghost of the Saltwater Machines a little bit less enjoyable than its predecessor. It almost seems like the band felt like they had to rely on their breakdowns, as enjoyable as they may be, to keep their established audience happy. Also, all of the songs are longer this time around, which does get a little tedious.

This isn’t a bad record by any means, but as a successor to a rather outstanding debut, it does fall short. Architect is still a band to keep an ear out for. Their brand of noisy hardcore is really second to none.

--Logan Broger