Hi there, hello.
Welcome to this review newsletter where I use you as a sounding board for my feelings on music releases. Today we’re looking at Indwelling by Context.
Seeing that this is my first time listening to this band, I had no idea what to expect when I gave this record a spin. All I knew going in was that I was listening to a metalcore band. So, as the opening track “Pressure” began with a slightly eerie ambient melody that led to its chuggy guitars, my interest was piqued.
When the vocals kicked in, I immediately started to pay more attention. They remind me of Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada, especially the melancholic yells. It took me by surprise because it is my first time hearing this particular style done by anyone besides Mike. The second track “Debt” does everything that the first does in a slightly more energetic way and I like the lyrical themes it explores as the vocals speak about trusting God in times of trials and suffering.
“Abound” is probably the track on the EP that got me grooving the hardest. There’s a part of the chorus where the vocalist just keeps yelling:
Grace
Grace
Grace
I’m in need of Your
Grace
Grace
Grace
It hit me quite hard and had me bobbing my head in rhythm to the chugs. It also helps that this song features Peter Anderson of Intercessor, one of the best upcoming bands on the Christian metalcore scene. “Hope” is all about the lyrics and this track has some really powerful lines in its chorus with words like:
My God and King
Hear my plea
And show your servant mercy…
I think that chorus speaks for itself. The crowing jewel comes with the final breakdown of the track and EP where we hear the words, ‘…give me Jesus or give me death…’ growled with so much ferocity. That’s one of the most brazen closing lines to a track/EP I have ever heard by a Christian band. Also, it would be a miss not to mention the feature from Daniel Keebler McKay of Collapse//Revive — another very impressive band growing in the scene.
The production on this record is pretty raw and I mean that in the best way. There’s a very direct, old-school approach to it; the vocals are audible and the instrumentation is solid. The composition is a bit of a sore spot, particularly on the first two tracks which sound a bit too similar. Other than that, this was a good, spiritually uplifting heavy record and I look forward to hearing more from the band in future.
Genre(s): Metalcore
RATING
: 3/5
Listen Here:
Apple Music • Deezer • YouTube Music • Other Links
Connect with Context:
Instagram • Facebook
That’s it from me.
Bye for now.
Talk to us about your favourite songs on the album. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like us to review.
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