The Bled has been a band of both surprise, and dexterity. Over the length of three different full length releases, listeners have often been confused and disorientated about their progression.Their debut Pass the Flask was monumental in the since that it's prowess as a debut record was giant.
Their second release had alot of people scratching their heads at first glance, and I can honestly say that I flurried the release with hatred upon its arrival. But after more listens, I can see what they were trying to accomplish, and I think Found in the Flood has some of the best song writing in post-hardcore, or whatever it is.
The Silent Treatment is a return to the moshtastic textures of Pass the Flask but has the aesthetics and melody of their previous endeavors.
Mostly this record is establishing for this band, which is both awesome, and depressing considering this band has been around forever. Seriously why has it taken them this long?
Nonetheless, I love this record, I think it was written amazingly, and it has set in stone (for now at least) that this band can freaking write.
One thing though that has honestly killed would could have been a SUPER record, is the fact that I loathe the production of this record.
I think maybe a greased up deaf guy with expensive equipment must have mixed it. The kick drum is SOOO overpowering, it drives the breakdowns WAY too much, and almost acts in the same principal as a guitar. The guitars during breakdowns sound like a very trebley bass, and are indistinguishable. Bottom line is that it JUST WASNT MIXED WELL.
This is a good record, and something I would recommend people pick up, the sad part about this, is it just isnt phenomenal, which I think for some reason really wanted from this band, and standing next to some of the other incredible releases this year, it's more like a featherweight than a heavyweight.
FINAL GRADE: B
