Toronto Band Structures Produces a Strong First Release

As a Canadian myself, it was refreshing to hear a fellow bunch of Canucks play some music that was truly inspirational to me as a player and listener. Structure's EP was truly a great piece of work and should be recognized as a revolutionary movement in Djent. All to often, I hear bands from all over the globe that sound exactly the same and impersonate what artists like Bulb (Misha Mansoor) or Tosin Abasi are doing as writers instead of innovating and creating something fresh. I truly believe Structures has that "something else" that us listeners crave to hear. Something that can truly set them apart from the rest of the pack. All of the Above was filled with interesting grooves, crushing breakdowns, intricate technical tapping and vocals and lyrics that were thought provoking and added to the sound of the band itself, rather than stand out negatively.

Each song had it's own individual character; finally I could tell the difference between each song. The songs gave there own distinctive voice in each part. However, I did find that some of the transitions were for lack of a better word, sloppy; but I would like to blame that on the prematurity of the band. For instance, Encounter, the third track was the first song Structures had ever written as a band. This was not apparent and I wouldn't have known if it wasn't stated in an interview. The music had a sophistication in terms of playability, but I do think the band's upcoming full length debut from Sumerian Records will show the band's growing maturity with each other in terms of song writing.

Here is my analysis of each song:

1) DEPARTURE
This song was a great intro to this dynamic EP. It had a heavy and understated simplicity in the opening riff, but don't let this fool you as a sneak attack feel change is about to punch you in the face when you least expect it. Personally I was taken away by this part and found it to be the star of the song. Although a fairly short song, Departed is packed with beautifully written melodies and well articulated vocal structures that leave you wanting more and luckily it's only the first song.

2) TRANSITIONS
I find a lot of times transitions from song to song leave me wondering where the change happened and I can't tell the difference between the tracks. Truth to the name of the song, Departure rolls out with a great light mix of drums and guitar. This is on the cusp of losing it's momentum but soon enough it ends, and enter Transitions. A hard hitting beginning riff with great potential for the rest of the song left me giddy as soon as the lead came in transitioning to a refrain style part. Transitions shows off Structures budding ability to write not only good Djent songs, but good songs in general. I heard a lot of individuality and distinction in each part that was refreshing to hear. This was a great second song and really displayed who Structures is as a band.

3) ENCOUNTER
The middle of the EP offer's Encounter and does not disappoint in any way. This is easily my favourite track of the record simply for it's heavy technicality mixed with some hardcore flare that gives a distinct tone that I wish I heard more often. As said previously, this is the first song Structures ever wrote which usually is easy to detect in a first release. However, I found this song to be one of the best structured (no pun intended) and arranged songs I've heard from Structures. The song is filled with fast paced blasts, crushing breakdowns and the song essentially moves very smoothly; not an easy feet for most bands.

4) IN PURUIT FT. CHRIS BARIS
This song I hold close to my heart as it contains the talented Chris Baris of A Textbook Tragedy, one of my favourite bands. Sadly though, I found myself bored in this song. It felt a little rushed and thrown together and pardon my use of the word: filler...
I don't see Structures going in the direction of In Pursuit for any of their songs to come. The song lacked any distinction from the other songs and isn't my "go-to" song when I'm craving a song from Structures. This is the song I felt was the most sloppy in the transition department. It could have used more creative transfers into the parts. My biggest complaint would be the opening since it was just not nearly as strong and grabbing as the others. All I can say is good on the band for trying something new.

5) STILL WATERS
Again a transition into another song? Hmmm, seems like a bit much in my opinion. Luckily, Still Waters very strong song and is home to one of the coolest tapping parts I've ever heard. I will go on a lark and say that this was the last song they wrote as a band, because it displays such maturity and fine writing skills. In Still Waters, Structures seemed to come into their own and it truly showed. The song had groove and precision in each part and was well thought through. This is also the only song with singing, which unfortunately is my only complaint of the song. I felt the singing part was almost in there just to check it off of the list of "had-to-haves" on the EP. It was kind of a pointless part and it would be nice to have a singing part that complimented the song and stood out, rather than stuck out like a sore thumb. All in all, this is a great song and a fantastic way to lead out this finely crafted EP.

This was a great EP and left me wanting more from this talented band. It is fantastic to see and hear a band stand out in a positive way and put out a great piece of material. Good on you Structures.