Bad Schematics – C O L L I D E
(Independent)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
Affectionately known to many as the Swamp, Palmerston North has a colourful music history, some of which has brought the windy city in the middle of the Manawatu widespread notoriety. While it could be argued that the music scene of Palmerston North was at its peak in the 90s, a new generation of musicians are giving the region a new lease of sonic life; with one of the most vital and energetic of the groups that call the city home is Bad Schematics.
In the two years since the band was formed by front man Caleb Williams and drummer Daniel Braithwaite, the band released their debut EP ‘keep your gods’ (2023), and then worked furiously writing, and recording, their scorching debut album C O L L I D E. With Caitlyn Sorenson (bass) and Tane Butler (guitar) rounding out the line-up, pop-punk purveyors Bad Schematics have quickly grown a steadfast reputation as not only hard-working, but one of the most polished bands in the country, due in part to their frenetic live performances.
C O L L I D E is a bona fide tour-de-force that quickly illustrates the musical prowess of this four-piece, in particular their ability to produce catchy, edgy and raw pop-punk songs. Drawing inspiration from the likes of My Chemical Romance, Bring Me The Horizon, Paramore, All Time Low and Dead Favours, C O L L I D E presents a solid line-up of undeniably catchy anthems with a dose of alt-rock for good measure, resulting in a cohesive collection of ten songs.
C O L L I D E possesses a level of sophistication and polish that must be commended, with production from the band and audio engineer Nigel Mauchline (recorded at The Stomach in Palmerston North) and mastering by Chris Chetland at Kog Studios in Auckland.
First track Yours Forever is the perfect choice for the album’s opener delivering an instant aural punch while beautifully setting the scene and tone for the album. Featuring guest vocals from Mirrored Walls’ Ben Dark, Yours Forever is a moody ballad-esque track chronicling the end of a relationship. The complexity of human relationships and mental health are thematically interwoven throughout the album’s tracks, which creates a smooth segue into through second track Beneath It All bring heaver beats with an additional level of angst, before giving way to the anthemic rock/nu-metal stylings of Somebody.
Each track shines in its own right, and the highlights on the album are many. Fan favourites Social Shipwreck – Part I of the Internal Etiquette Committee along with Happy Apathy – Part II Of The Internal Etiquette Committee, which has echoes of Muse anthem Stockholm Syndrome, begs for some head-banging and a sing-along at the top of one’s lungs, while Cry Yourself Awake and Behind My Eyes (featuring Levi Lewis) keep the momentum going throughout the album. Closing track All To Blame finishes things off on a high note, and effectively leaving the listener eager for more, and wondering what’s next from the quartet.
If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.