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Review: ‘Hyperview’ – Title Fight

Tyler Peyman
Connector Contributor

At the steps of their studio, every well-established band one day faces the dilemma of either evolving on their own terms or appeasing their fans and sustaining the sound they are loved for. For Title Fight, the solution is simply to make their music, go with their gut, and hope that their listeners come along for the ride. With the single release of “Chlorine”, the band signaled a stylistic departure from their more aggressive, post-hardcore history and as expected, the rest of the accompanying album follows suit.

“Hyperview” is a culmination of Title Fight’s subtle ambitions to push the punk genre forward and, with it, the band’s (foreseeably complex) evolution is only building momentum. The record is not weighed down by influences, but it certainly embraces them, at times sounding like a brother of Sunny Day Real Estate and at others a descendant of The Gin Blossoms. Admittedly, the writing process behind the album welcomed impact from Morrissey, The Strokes and even The Beach Boys. Coupled with Title Fight’s characteristic abrasiveness, though, the result leans much more toward ambient, reverb-drenched indie than it does powerhouse emo-punk. Some of the songs do so much tonal meandering, in fact, that a “youthful shoegaze” label would not be wildly inappropriate. Although the band’s distinct shift towards “lighter” music may be initially discouraging to long-time listeners, Title Fight’s raw charm is still clearly visible through the flanging haze of guitar tracks and backmixed vocal croons.

Despite the slightly underwhelming nature of the band’s new musical direction, “Hyperview” remains strong, dynamic and immersive.  A particularly standout track in the listing is “Rose for Sharon,” in which bassist Ned Russin reclaims the microphone and repaints that beloved picture of Floral Green with his signature hoarse delivery, as if shaking listeners out of their daze in the middle of the record.

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember that just as we grow out of our favorite bands, they also tend to grow out of our expectations as they continue to pursue their art. The best thing we can do is join them for the ride.

“Hyperview” is out through ANTI records Feb. 3.

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