2007 MDB Records/self-released

4 out of 5
 

Routes to Rapture was the second in a series of free EPs released via the band's website.

The record is another step forward in the band's evolution away from their ska/hardcore (as members of Link 80) and pop-punk roots. While the trademark elements of DESA's sound, catchy almost-Green Day-esque chrouses, and razor sharp pop-hardcore riffing, are in place, this group of songs displays a newfound complexity likely inspired by labelmates the RX Bandits. The guitar freakout at the end of "Hex on Microphone" in particular evokes that band's later work. The songs improve on the bands past work, with smarter dynamics and song structures, a step up from the sometimes-disjointed nature of DESA's first two albums.

New drummer Steven Heet shows here that he has gotten a chance to get comfortable since his first appearance on 2007's Sirens and Safety Glass. These songs are as tight and rhythmically interesting as anything the band has done in the past, proudly demonstrating the band's rock-solid interplay, well intact after the departure of founding drummer Joey Bustos. Especially in the case of the driving opener "A Toast at the Wonders' Wake" and the polyrhythmic closing jam on "The Arcs of Eagles end in skeletons" he really gets a chance to show what he's brought to the table. The production is a little rough but it works for DESA's sound and vibe.

All in all, of the three free EP's DESA released (the final being 2008's Revenge Body), Routes to Rapture boasts the best songwriting. It's a shame they didn't go further, these three songs in particular really hinted at what they were capable of.

Sounds like: A more proficient Green Day playing hardcore with the RX Bandits
Best track: "A Toast at Wonder's Wake"