Karnivool – Themata: A Textural Landscape
Karnivool is an Australian progressive rock band, formed in Perth in 1997. With Ian Kenny on vocals, Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking on the guitars, Jon Stockman on bass, and Steve Judd on drums, the band has released three studio albums to date. Their music explores genres such as progressive rock, alternative metal, progressive metal, and nu-metal. Themata is Karnivool’s first album; released independently on February 7th, 2005, and distributed via MGM Production that quickly rose to success.
The album begins with C.O.T.E, a slow burn with pounding drum work and a resounding bass that sets the stage for the vocal melody and the guitars. The soft passion of the vocals is contrasted by the deep-seated strength of the guitars. The chorus is lined with a rippling melody that bounces off the vocals to create a kaleidoscopic effect. The second track, Themata tunnels into the electric effect of the guitars that is fragmented by varied vocal textures, beautifully punctuated by brief pauses and amplified by stellar curves of melody. The appeal of the next song, Shutterspeed lies in it being lyrically and rhythmically forceful and urgent. The soft winding roads of the vocals and melodies stretch elegantly across the rocky topography of the song’s rhythm. We also hear a hypnotic melody before the bridge that disarms the listener.
A haunting intro leads us to Fear of the Sky; a lyrical exposition of failure, fear, and death. The song boasts a transcendental synth and cymbal melody in the beginning and towards the end of the song that wonderfully contrasts the rough texture of the rest of the song. The fifth track, Roquefort brings the bass and drums to the forefront by using them to periodically pump energy into the song. The vocal timbre is delightfully chaotic and generously textured. The next song, L1FEl1KE is characterized by pulsing synth interludes that delicately string its song sections together. The tumbling energy of the verses and the pre-chorus is harnessed in the gracious passion of the chorus. The sound of Scarabs is relentless; with a pressing tempo and a metallic rhythm. A charming musical palindrome that begins where it ends and meteorically vanishes as quickly as it begins.
Sewn and Silent brings a velvety texture to the album. The acoustic guitar melodies, soulful vocals, subtle violin details, and creamy harmonies sumptiously add to the rich texture pallet of the album. With a steady beat and a guitar grind as the backdrop, Mauseum’s landscape is painted on by the impressive vocal range and textures of the vocalist. The impassioned vocals in Synops put the listener in a trance; like a kite swaying against the bright blue sky; tethered to earth only by the weighted solidarity of the drums, bass, and guitar. The last song of the album, Change (Part 1), drips with pulsating inky synths that are pleasingly coupled with bare vocals that are hauntingly enchanting and calming.
The album was written by Goddard. He also played the guitar and played drums on every track except L1FEl1KE. Every single track not only showcases the band’s splendid ability to reconcile contrasting musical textures but also uses them to unimaginably compound the listening experience despite their innate incongruity. Themata is one of the tragically underrated progressive rock albums and makes for a great listen.
Listen to Themata by Karnivool here -
