This is the debut album from Balsam Grove, a post-hardcore band from the US.
You’re Safe Here contains 40 minutes of material brought to us by ex-members of Caves of Glass. Whereas that mighty band played a distinct brand of multifaceted post-metal, Balsam Grove’s music is a post-hardcore mix of punk, screamo, and metalcore.
Balsam Grove play a style of melodic metallic hardcore that reminds me of the 00s – Balsam Grove would have fit right in with bands such as From Autumn to Ashes, Boys Night Out, A Static Lullaby, Hopesfall, Finch, Poison the Well, Glassjaw, etc. I was heavily into that scene at the time, so You’re Safe Here is right up my old alleyway.
The album combines heaviness with texture and colour. The aggressive elements are vicious and punishing. This is counterbalanced by rich melody and intricate shading, making for a balance between the two that is reminiscent, in various places and to differing degrees, of many of the abovementioned acts. Importantly though, Balsam Grove are no mere copycat or tribute act. Within the style, they have a character of their own, and their music is well-written enough to stand on its own merits.
Catchiness and heaviness collide across You’re Safe Now, providing the listener with nine songs that are infectious in their quality, (plus the usual disposable intro/interlude/outro tracks -which are actually pretty decent as far as these things go). Instantly appealing, it’s over time that the various melodies, rhythms, breakdowns, and especially vocals and choruses drill down into your head.
You’re Safe Now is a very accomplished debut album. You can easily tell the passion, time, and devotion that has gone into its making, and the impactful songwriting reflects this.
If you’re a fan of the style then this is one to spend some time with.
Wonderbox Metal 