“Let me devour you, because the camera always eats first.”
It’s been approximately 3 years since the release of Ithaca’s debut record The Language of Injury. Tinged in experimental mathcore and chaotic roots, it saw the outfit set out to cultivate their own sound. Being the group’s first full-length, it would be safe to assume that They Fear Us would be an extension of that same identity — maybe polish up the production and tighten things up a bit. That is absolutely not the case, as Ithaca have gone one step further; they’ve shed the skin of their previous selves, forging a masterpiece that is purely them. Dropping the experimental tonality that characterized both Trespassers and The Language of Injury, Ithaca opt for a different route. Instead, They Fear Us takes a direction that can only be described as potential progressive hardcore/mathcore. Whatever it may be, labels be damned, it does nothing short of exclaim pure serotonin in its soundwaves.
Listeners of They Fear Us can expect an evolved sonic scope from previous records. It holds a familiar yet matured tone throughout, containing enough diversity in its duration that will see most listeners genuinely enjoy at least one track. Although, from the get-go it is quite obvious that the record is meant to be consumed in an orderly manner, both from its thematic scheme and progression. That’s not to say each track can’t be savoured in isolation. When I said previously how They Fear Us is a diverse record, I whole-heartedly meant it. However, the story that Ithaca have weaved in between the lines is akin to watching an Ari Aster film. You end up noting so many intricacies going back through and simply appreciate it that much more. Each track has its link to another in the slightest of minute details. Neither Trespassers nor The Language of Injury, while both being stellar records, hold a candle to what Ithaca have crafted with They Fear Us through its otherworldly storytelling. It treads the uneasiness of its dark contents and transcends through it with ardent grace.
The different soundscapes that can be explored throughout They Fear Us are vast. For the audience craving the ballistics, devilish duo in “Cremation Party” and “Number Five” see the group dipping their toes back into their heavier roots. Chock-full of obliterating licks and dissonantly dizzying taps, guitarists Will Sweet and Sam Chetan-Welsh excel at crafting up some chops to kill some crowds. Closing tracks “You Should Have Gone Back” and “Hold, Be Held” bring out Djamila’s beautiful serenade, which has ever been desired and asked for. Throughout the record, Djamila utilizes those clean vocals in such a heart throbbing manner. However, she truly gets to bring out those pipes that she’s been hiding in those closers, and it is phenomenal. Enchanting. Enthralling. Enrapturing. All the while, you have previously released singles with “In The Way” and “Camera Eats First” that are just purely orchestrated recipes for success. Percussive infectiousness and groovy drive filled by James Lewis is the icing on the cake, as its delivery is addictive and hypnotic. All of these tracks hold such different weights for the different merits that they bring to the table. Yet, they all tie together in such a delicate fashion that it truly never gets old. It’s harmonious and well-balanced.
One important note that needs to be brought to the table is how much of an improvement the production is compared to previous releases. Dialling back to the start on how maybe they should polish things up a bit and tighten it, everything on They Fear Us has such a crisp and rich tone ringing, with a clarity that makes it much more digestible and palatable. The tonality as a whole does not feel stale or flat. I feel this shift in style is something that can be much more appreciated when going back to the whole discography. It’s simply better, adding much more emotional depth that can be relished in prolonged playthroughs.
In its entirety, They Fear Us is a perfectly captivating masterpiece that deserves every single speck of attention that gets thrown its way. Ithaca truly have something special on their hands, finding their stride with a uniquely crafted sound that is entrancing to its core. While I feel this record will fly under the radar for many, it will be a suggestion that I’ll be bringing to the table so that Ithaca gets all the recognition in the world. More people need to see how beautiful this work of art is, from its core theme down to its structure.
10/10
They Fear Us is available via Hassle Records on Friday, July 29th, and you can pre-order the album here.