As we march towards a new year, our focus is on what could be around the corner when the calendar flips once more. However, in the interim, we can easily overlook what the old year still has to offer. Instead of hastily ushering out 2024, there is still time to discover new things. Such as “Crucible,” the new album by alt-rock duo Deer Park Avenue. This latest release by the sisters Snyder (Sarah and Steph) is highlighted by its own versatility as well as an anthemic jam.
Predominantly, the first half of the record offers up differing intensities of rock. Initially, “Cave” buzzes with reverb that’s compounded by pitter pattering percussion. In addition, it unleashes its own doses of garage band-ish fervor as well as an appearance of synth-centric electricity. Not to be outdone, “Shut Me Out” is an adrenaline inducing sprint, launching into a ragged edge whirlwind at a moment’s notice. Finally, the collective grit and density of its raw riffs and emphatic drums makes “Strut” a flat out bruiser of a jam.
At first, “Dance” sounds very measured by comparison, albeit with some wiry guitar to kick it off. Instead, this sleeper-ish start is only a precursor to the frayed, yet mellifluous jam it turns out to be. Also, it’s the standout chorus, specifically “dance if you wanna and I’ll dance, too…sing if you wanna and I’ll sing, too” that elevates “Dance” into anthemic status. Especially, how much of a rallying cry attitude it ends up carrying at times.
For a change of pace, “Pink Champagne” is a slow burn consisting of dashes of ethereal ambiance alongside a steady, purposeful rhythm. Eventually, an escalating combo of bass, guitar and drums lead the way, ending up in an ultimate collision layered in mystical and rugged atmospherics.
Opening with a fuzzy lead guitar, “Outta Here” is a multifaceted track that counters with a bit of twang to lead its upbeat, jangly chorus. Not to mention, the bubbly synth that contrasts the stints of crunchy riffs and pummeling percussion. No matter how you slice it, “Outta Here” is a successful hybridization born of seemingly disparate ingredients.
Written by Travis Boyer
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