Aesthesis

Australian rockers Dead Letter Circus have undergone a bit of a transformation in Aesthesis, which sounds to me like they’re going for more of a radio-friendly presence. It is the kind of record that seems as much influenced by bands like Stabbing Westward and Karnivool as it is popular US rock acts like Chevelle and Fall Out Boy. Compared to the band’s previous outing The Catalyst Fire this record seems more mature and contains far less of a hard rock thunder, as it shows a notable evolution that will make the band appeal to other shades of listeners and not just the rock crowd. While “In Plain Sight” might start us off with a rather melodic and familiar approach, “While You Wait” feels like a bit of a dance-rock number that might make one want to slightly shake their hips, even though there are still subtle sections of melodic rock atmosphere and the vocal approach by Kim Benzie is just as fragile and memorable as it was on the last release. “The Burning Number” explodes right into a strong chorus, showing the band doing what they do best and it makes for a definite hit that very well could (and should) be a single. “Show Me” elicits a melodic rock ballad, while “Yana” offers an atmospheric ballad very comparable to the work of A Perfect Circle. “Silence” actually adds in electronic elements, making me think of Stabbing Westward at their most contemplative, especially in the vocal tone which has me nearly betting money that former Stabbing Westward (current The Dreaming) frontman Christopher Hall is a huge vocal influence to Benzie’s work here on the album.