New Release // Exit Module - Smoke & Mirrors
This week Baldwin Park based New-Wave four piece dropped their newest album 'Smoke & Mirrors' across all platforms both physical and digital and it's a heavy hitter. If you've been a fan of Exit Module before then you'll immediately notice a certain growth and refinement coming from this sophomore release.
The opening title track grabs your ear with a churning, bending, and strangely oscillating synth that ,with it's short life, immediately tells you this album is going to be a roller coaster ride. Once it settles you're hit with an epic, arena ready, guitar riff. This combination of synth and guitar is reminiscent of New-Wave classics like Depeche Mode who'm are honored throughout this release. 'This is Law' is perhaps the most throwback song in the record, a catchy synth-pop tune that takes a turn into the dark side, think She Wants Revenge. After the first two bangers 'Internal Flame' show's us just how much Exit Module has evolved, both with song writing and lyric writing. It is an uplifting yet melancholic tune that also gives the listener some breathing space.
As the record progresses you are hit with the Gothic yet gorgeous 'Piano Interlude', something that's rarely heard outside of Classical music and even Muse. This leads into 'Anticipation', a bit of a throwback to their earlier work. Nearing the end of the 7 song record Exit Module brings forth 'The Collapse', another very well produced, dark, synth driven track and also acts as a second reminder that Exit Module is more than just a guitar driven band. The record's last song 'Falling Stars' wraps up the record with a huge guitar riff supported by a synth-pop lead, very catchy.
'Smoke & Mirrors' is Out Now on - Spotify // Apple Music // CD
