High energy, good vibes, and even better music; finding artists with attributes such as these can be a daunting task. Shining above the rest, Balance and Composure are far from perfect, but they are closer than most. Having just the right amount of buoyancy, this Pennsylvanian band knows a thing or two about creating show-stopping music. Coming together less than ten years ago, the bright and similar minds of Jon Simmons (guitar, vocals), Andy Slaymaker (guitar, vocals), Erik Petersen (guitar), Matt Warner (bass), as well as Bailey Van Ellis (drums) clicked, resulting in magic. With the creation of their debut EP, 2008’s I Just Want to Be Pure, that next year, Balance and Composure started on their long-lasting journey to success while playing small local shows and working on new music.
Standing out within the scene, a couple years passed and their discography grew tremendously, as well as a dedicated group of followers; nothing screams success like playing shows and having your own lyrics being sung back at you. Seeing their success grow rapidly, the months leading up to their third full-length studio album were agonizing, and the pressure was on for this to be their best yet. That said, Balance and Composure threw their lives into the music and surpassed any expectation with Light We Made. Released on October 7, 2016 via Vagrant Records, it is an album that could raise the bar for the band.
Starting things off with “Midnight Zone,” it is already clear of the stylistic differences between this record and the past couple. Combining in some Electronic elements as well as their usual chill-vibed instrumentation and soft vocals, this track starts off with a disillusioned feeling, jumping into their calming rhythmic embrace. Coming in with a steady beat, “Spinning” has a slightly darker feel alongside incredibly catchy guitar riffs and well written lyrics. Bound to be a favorite offering, “Afterparty” is one of the first to be heard from Light We Made, and it is a completely triumphant piece that will have listeners raving.
Continuing on, “For A Walk” is an introspective, and slightly out of this world, piece while the instrumentation stands out among the rest. A song that may alter the entire direction of the album, it is brilliant with a taste of unclean background vocals showing the audience their wide range of talent. With a relatable title, as well as unforgettable lyrics, “Mediocre Love” is just the right amount of haunting and beautiful that takes the audience on a journey of romance. Yet another single and standout track, “Postcard” is edgy and distinctive, capturing any and all attention. This is before the upbeat, up-close, and personal, “Call It Losing Touch” features instrumentation that will be sure to make listeners more aware than they ever have been.
Coming in slightly softer than the rest, “Fame” is an interesting piece. Picking up just a few measures in, it is layered with knowledge and pure talent. Equally strong and resilient, “Is It So Much To Adore” is a cut that displays the amount of dedication and raw energy that is put into the music by Balance and Composure as they bare their souls through layers of orchestration. Closing it all out, “Loam” just might be the best song of them all with a groovy beat and lyrics that will get listeners thinking.
For fans of Brand New, Tigers Jaw, and Title Fight, Balance and Composure is just the band everyone needs on their playlist. Definitely worth checking out, it is clear to see no disappointment in sight from all wavelengths. Always knowing exactly how to hook their audience from album to album, Light We Made is no different. With another incredible record to prize their name with, there is one direction the band can continue in, and that is up. CrypticRock gives Balance and Composure’s Light We Made 4 out of 5 stars.
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