Levitate

With the arrival of 'Levitate', VRSTY has crafted something that transcends the typical boundaries of modern heavy music. Released under the Spinefarm Music Group banner, the album is a meticulously curated sonic landscape where atmosphere is not an afterthought but the very foundation of the composition. It is a work that demands an attentive listener, rewarding those who linger in the spaces between the heavy chords and the textured layers of production.

From the opening strike of "Fuck You Forever", it is clear that the band is aiming for a sophisticated depth. The production is polished yet retains a tangible sense of weight. The heavy elements are integrated seamlessly into the melodic framework, ensuring that the intensity never feels gratuitous. There is a deliberate, measured restraint in how the heavier movements are introduced, building a sense of mounting pressure that eventually resolves into sublime melodic release.

Levitate is not just a collection of tracks; it is a deliberate, atmospheric architecture of sound.

Track by track, 'Levitate' demonstrates a keen understanding of dynamics. "Back To Back" and "No Chill" serve as conduits for a more aggressive energy, yet even here, the nuances of the instrumentation are palpable. The transition into "Black & Blue", featuring Monochromatic Black, showcases a sophisticated interplay of voices and tones. It is a moment where the music pulls back just enough to let the texture breathe, creating a haunting, evocative space that lingers in the mind long after the track concludes.

As the record progresses into "Wide Awake" and "Dangerous", the focus shifts toward a more atmospheric, ethereal quality. The instrumentation feels organic, with every synth swirl and guitar chime placed with surgical precision. The production choices on "The Plug" and "The Way It Is" are particularly noteworthy; there is a subtle warmth to the mid-range that prevents the digital elements from sounding sterile. It is a sophisticated marriage of machine and muscle.

Collaborations on the album, such as "Kill The Rich" featuring Andy Cizek, add layers of complexity to the sonic palette. These features do not feel like tacked-on additions but rather integral components of the arrangement. The emotional tone of the record shifts subtly from defiance to introspection, moving through the darker corridors of "Doomed" before finding a sense of desperate urgency in "Glad You Came".

Near the finale, "Powerless" (featuring LEXXE) and "Can You Love Me?" provide a masterclass in building emotional stakes through melodic progression. The vocals are handled with a restrained elegance, avoiding unnecessary histrionics in favour of a raw, honest delivery. These tracks lean into the 'heavy' by way of atmosphere, where the weight comes from the emotional gravity of the lyrics and the haunting melodies.

Concluding with "The Feeling" and the title track "Levitate", the album reaches its zenith. These final moments are about the release of tension. The heavy textures begin to float, dissolving into a panoramic soundscape that feels truly expansive. It is a sophisticated, well-crafted piece of work that manages to be both visceral and delicate simultaneously.

'Levitate' is a significant achievement for VRSTY. It is an album that avoids the typical tropes of its genre, opting instead for a highly curated, atmospheric experience. The production is flawless, the arrangements are thoughtful, and the emotional arc is complete. It is rare to find a release of this length that maintains such consistent intensity and aesthetic focus. It is a triumph of texture and intent.