Currents

Here's a fun fact: if you name your album Currents, do not be surprised if you struggle to be one of the top five albums on Spotify named Currents. Seriously, because of the title, this album is not easy to find. Search by artist and you will do better.

This album is more technical than I normally like. Listen to the beginning of the first track, "Seekers of the Truth," and you will know what I mean. It's rhythmically complex and restlessly introduces new ideas. Often, albums of which this is true are a big mess; but Currents captures my attention and has a lovely energy. The transition at 3:15 in "Seekers of the Truth" is an example of something technical that works for me. Rather than linger on a slow-paced, meandering section, In Vain does a fancy quick transition back to their primary theme, and I applaud the band for not wasting my time.

In my favorite track, "And Quiet Flows the Scheldt," the melody is more straightforward, and the vocalist is given a chance to really dig into his growl. I love the section around 3:40. Another great track, "Blood We Shed," captures a sense of high drama. I don't think that it 100% works...it feels rushed to me and over the top, and the structure isn't as natural as what I admire in "And Quiet Flows the Scheldt." But I can forgive a track a lot of minor flaws if it has lovely choir vocals.

All in all, I was close between a 1 and a 2. I settled on a 1 because the back half of the album wasn't as interesting to me, but this is definitely worth a listen.