2015 Magic Bullet Records

4 out of 5

In the latest reshuffling of the East of the Wall/etc. collective (a longstanding SBP favorite in all its forms), New Jersey's NY in 64 have finally given a proper release to an arm of that sprawling project that has for years struggled to survive long enough to put out an album.

Stylistically splitting the difference between their predecessor bands (Dilation/Dangerous Cowboy, You and I), NY in 64 draws on both the tense-to-grandiose, textured post-rock atmosphere of the former and the tight, somewhat angular screamo riffage of the latter to create a compelling hybrid.

Drummer Seth Rheam characteristically straddles the line between intricate and pummeling, executing each track in expert lockstep with bassist Thomas Schlatter, while guitarists Justin Hock and Chris Alfano interweave melodic guitar lines through and over their foundation. The result is not too far removed from the technical post-rock of Hock and Rheam's previous band, Dilation, but slightly more aggressive and riff-driven in the vein of Farmer's Almanac-era East of the Wall material, particularly when the foursome locks in on a single riff and just stomps the hell out of it for a few bars. These moments of unpretentious, borderline sludgy heaviness further accentuate the sections where the musicians allow themselves to wander outside the pocket and explore the songs' breathing room a little more.

The album's crisp-but-unpolished production works well—there's plenty of feedback and amp hiss bringing some live feel to the quieter sections, but the tones and mix manage to be both full and defined enough to accentuate the precision of every riff and fill across the seven tracks. Schlatter's driving, growling bass work in particular steals the show throughout, carving out a prominent spot in the mix without dominating it. Alfano, who engineered and co-produced the album continues to show his considerable skill for the craft.

NY in 64 have given us an impressive snapshot of the first year or so of their existence. Their debut proves to be a worthy addition to the output from the obscure but rich scene of alternative metal emanating from Garden State basements.

Listen/purchase here or here.
Point of reference: Russian Circles, East of the Wall, The Kidcrash, You and I
Best tracks: Soon, You Will Lose Me; Maintaining Now, The Contact

— JC 
04/2015