InDirections is a young metalcore band based out of Dallas, Texas. Together since 2011, the band consists of Landis Daniels on vocals, Kevin Franklin and Wes Edmonson on guitar, and Garrett Grothe on drums. With a similar sound to Crown the Empire, Issues, and I See Stars, InDirections released their first EP in 2012 titled Through Transitions. Now signed to InVogue Records the band released their debut full-length album, Clockworks in 2014. With production by Cameron Mizell (Memphis May Fire, Sleeping With Sirens), InDirections looks to create a record which jumps to the head of the class in the metalcore scene.
Opening with the title track “Clockworks”, the album starts off with a haunting sound that leads up to powerful, but consistent, guitar riffs and beats. Throughout the song Daniels’ provides a variety of different types of vocals, transitioning from a rough and gravely sound into clarified tones in the chorus. With its attention grabbing sound it is no wonder the band decided to choose this song as their lead single off the album. Clockworks follows a similar style of lyrical and rhythmical themes throughout the first few songs off the album. The lyrical theme consistently discusses personal frustrations, disgust with social issues, and open feelings of finding a place among the confusion surrounding humanity. Musically, songs like “Breathless” mix well with others such as “Defiance” and “Enemies”, with a spooky beginning leading into the explosion of aggressive and emotional sounds.
Showing diversity in their approach, the closing song “Sleepless” takes a rest from the heavier material and tones it down, providing an interesting twist. Daniels’ high pitched and layered vocals fit very well within the context of the song and the addition of great instrumentation help create a different but very likable sound. Its tracks like this one which show the true talents of a band like Indirections and leave you yearning for more like this upon its conclusion.
Clockworks, is a mixture of many different sounds that bounce back and forth between electronic and heavy guitar tones. Although many songs do sound similar, do not let the absence of variety affect your judgment of the album. Clockworks should be judged as a cohesive piece and InDirections clearly had a vision going into the writing of this material. That vision is drenched with dark tones and plenty of textures to keep you interested with each listen. Despite any flaws, Clockworks is a brilliantly composed and extremely fluent album, which proves InDirections’ potential. All ten tracks will definitely leave you curious and wanting more. CrypticRock gives Clockworks 4 out of 5 stars.
- InVogue Records
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