by Jacob Dempsey (@internet_punx)
Coming to us with their first release in nearly fifteen years, Glassjaw create something that is reminiscent of a tone ever present within their work from yesteryears. It feels as though Material Control picks up where Glassjaw left off, bringing forth a sense of nostalgia whilst still remaining present and conscience of the zeitgeist of our times. With a harsh design of post-hardcore paired with interludes of instrumentalism giving nodes to emo, and experimental sound; Material Control proves itself as relevant to its issue date. In some songs such as "Bastille Day" you see Glassjaw pushing this idea, deconstructing post-hardcore and introducing a series of drumming that feels as though you’re within an entrancing dance.
Glassjaw seem to accomplish what they set out to create. Something that fosters an imaginative interaction with their fan base that is both a recollection of what times passed were and for those of a younger generation something to interact with on a fresh level. The album addresses the ideas of over-sensationalism, racism, gentrification, and a multitude of political issues facing us in our current space, to say it plainly this is a political piece of work. It unapologetically fosters a counter to the status quo being set forth. I have a lot of respect for Glassjaw’s willingness to come out of silence after nearly fifteen years and produce an album that seeks to be entirely confrontational. Understanding the fundamental background of this band you still see it as an album of growth. Wherein the content once covered is somewhat dismissed and disowned, you see the growth of the individuals creating and writing this album. We begin to see the frustrations and question that Daryl Palumbo, vocalist for Glassjaw, poses in songs like "Bibleland 6" or "Citizen." Understanding the conveyance of his dissatisfaction of our current cultural climates of society.
The draw mostly for me with Material Control is that it encapsulates a time period when a lot of those who are now older were filled with angst. It is a relevant record but also mirrors sounds that were all too familiar. They produce an album that draws on what is to love about post-hardcore when it was thriving. I highly suggest that you take some time out of your day if you haven’t already to give this record a full listen through. While it can be defiantly appreciated on a song by song basis it feels as though the full experience of sensory onslaught should be appreciated for all 36 minutes of Material Control.