Temperate
There's no denying it: something about this current evolutionary juncture of melodic hardcore just sounds first class when it's done well, and it's done British.
The genre seems to shine all the brighter when taking on distinctly British sensibilities and moods, and the continued success of the current crop of home-grown talent feels like something to be proud of. Lincoln quintet Climates have had a promising start to their existence with a trio of 2012 releases impressing many and earning them tours with the likes of Counterparts and Beartooth. Having already begun to build a name for themselves, their ever-growing fan base has been waiting patiently to find out if debut fell-length Body Clocks is everything they hoped it could be.
The uplifting post-hardcore vibe from anthemic opener Leaves Of Legacy never truly dissipates, and despite it being almost unique on this album in its predominance of major chords, the lingering presence of positivity prevents the rest of the album from becoming bogged down by melancholia. Heaven (Is Only In My Head) was chosen as the pre-album taster, and for good reason. Climates throw in their kitchen sink at this point; the band's aggressive and melodic facets working in unison to create what will surely become a live favourite, with gigantic hooks, a brief-yet-massively-enjoyable breakdown, and a huge ending destined for crowd sing-a-longs.
The lighter moments (In The Heart of Man, Worlds Away), which previously in the band's career may have come across as unnecessary filler, now shine bright and, along with numerous bouts of group vocals, add a major dose of je ne sais quoi to the proceedings. The brief intermission of Sundown loiters for just long enough to allow for maximum impact when Whole Hearted explodes in a wash of melodic aggression, yet the aggression that can be heard is controlled brilliantly (as it is throughout), and that is precisely why Climates succeed.
The less belligerent moments define this band rather than detract from the impact. Their melodious inclinations may prove hazardous to those who would cold-shoulder clean vocals and turn their backs on a good tune, but Body Clocks is no less an adrenaline rush for it and the unbridled passion that flows through this album further pushes them to stand as a unique entity. If what they achieved with What Means The Most and Reconcile was promising, then what they've achieved with Body Clocks is a triumph.
This is a matured Climates, a more accomplished Climates, a fully realised Climates; delivering what had only been hinted at previously. Put simply, this is the strongest material the band have written to-date. Body Clocks brims with confidence, yet its honesty and vulnerability are consistently and entirely believable.
Personal sacrifices were made in order to keep this band going, and the album is all the stronger for it. More than merely adding an edge to their sound, the whole thing feels authentic, passionate, and downright satisfying. Combine this will solid songwriting and hardcore hooks galore, and Climates have themselves a winner. To emerge sounding like a band with nothing to lose when in fact they have plenty to lose; well that's quite the trick.
A dense wall of intense melancholic melody full of introspection and intrigue whilst simultaneously pummelling with top quality screams and riffs, this is as strong as any melodic hardcore release as you're likely to hear in 2014. The musicianship and production are certainly upped, but most importantly the songwriting is on an entirely different level to their previous output. A hugely honest album, it's certainly one worth getting to know. This is the real deal, and it's a joy to experience.