Album Of The Week - Othered Vol. 1 by Othered

Othered are a collaborative recording project from Oakland, whose striking music, and thunderous energy leaves no stone unturned. Comprised of KnightressM1 (aka Emily Palen) and Henry Austin Lannan, Othered were borne in 2020 from the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic. A great meeting of minds, both Palen and Lannan are purveyors of alternative rock, whose intermix of melodic and melodramatic tracks, prowl in the undertow of sludge metal, reverberate from the drones of doom metal, collide with the cosmic dust of prog-rock, and rumble from the remnants of post-punk. They are a firebrand of artistic expression, that fuel a burning desire for truth, unity and transformation and whose album Othered Vol. 1 has been selected as my “Album Of The Week”.

Othered Vol. 1 is an atmospheric work of art, that stimulates the senses and awakens those in a slumberous state. It’s an album that ticks all the boxes and reaches out to its audience as if you were at one of the band’s live shows. It’s an intimate affair whose emotionally driven vocals, act as a barometer for the weather-beaten sentiments, whilst remaining wistfully windswept. As a frontwoman, Palen is a warrior queen, who thrives with an irrepressible spirit, that speaks for a generation and empathises with a nation. She’s a charismatic performer, who isn’t afraid to translate truth and justice through her incredible music. A talented singer, songwriter as well as an accomplished violinist, Palen is an interesting mix of fiery goddess and serene peacemaker, who intuitively knows how to adapt her tone and timing like a true artist. What’s great about Palen is she genuinely cares for humanity and isn’t afraid to speak about issues she feels passionate about.

Reflected through the astute and perceptive lyrics, Othered Vol. 1 is a natural progression of alternative rock, that redefines the boundaries of doom-metal and adds a more diverse soundscape. It is through the subtle shifts of genres that Othered Vol. 1 opens up the doors of a more happy-go lucky soundscape, that tilts towards neo-psychedelia, power-pop and synth-pop. Although not a prominent feature of the album, it’s through the sparse instrumentals and space synths Othered Vol. 1 orbits towards prog-rock and strobe-lights across art-punk pathways of electronica.

In a world of digital enhancements and synthetic sounds, it’s great to hear an album that stays true to the ethos of punk, and beats from the heart of post-punk. It’s music that bridges the gap between goth-rock and post-hardcore, whilst drifting in slow-motion, to absorb in its angst. It’s a coastal breeze of ethereal rock that sinks in the sludgy sand dunes of doom-metal, whilst floating with the stars. Through the fuzzy and reverberating riffs, Othered Vol. 1 revisits the murky waters of post-grunge, whilst angle-grinding through the metallic mist. Along with the eerie harmonies and banshee-esque wails, Othered Vol. 1 is an album that spins from the web of darkwave, and roams from the nebulous corners of hard rock.

Album release show https://bit.ly/3tsouah

Othered Vol. 1 is out now, available digitally and on gold-coloured vinyl in a limited edition of 150 copies, pressed with heavy-weight gloss stock jacket and black card stock insert printed in silver and gold ink. The album can be ordered directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Emily Palen – Vocals
Henry Austin Lannan – Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Bass, Mandocello
Doug Pearson – Synthesizers, Electric Piano
Eric Strand – Drums & Percussion (2,4,6,7,8,9)
Ralph Spight – Lead Guitar (5)
Clayton Vorheis – Bass (5)
Larry Boothroyd – Drums (3)
Phil Becker – Drums & Percussion (5,9)
All compositions by Henry Austin Lannan
All lyrics by Emily Palen
Recorded, mixed & produced by Phil Becker at El Studio (San Francisco)
Mastered by Justin Weis, Trakworx (South San Francisco)
Cover painting ‘Gold with Burnished X’ by Barry Masteller, 1991

TRACK LIST
1. Coastal I
2. Planets on the Rise
3. Journey to the Edge
4. War
5. Redless
6. Dead Americans
7. Center of the Galaxy
8. Pink in June
9. Coastal II

Keep up with Othered
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