Album Review: Bloom – Maybe In Another Life (Greyscale Records/Pure Noise Records)

Releasing via Greyscale Records and Pure Noise Records on February 16th, Bloom will release their highly anticipated new album ‘Maybe in Another Life’. Told as a story in ten parts, Bloom’s forthcoming album is a concept album about possibility. An album that examines longing, self-indulgence, fantasy, manipulation and despair through the eyes of a character that is constantly challenged by their reality.

We’ve been keeping an eye on Bloom in the build-up to this release, finding a fresher sounding band who are exploring deeper and darker mindscapes. Leaning into a much heavier sound, but having big, anthemic qualities and plenty of harmonious moments too. It’s a strong release overall for this band, and it doesn’t take long for that thought process to take shape.

An Entry is an emotive introduction with light melody and soft vocals, but it flows into a track that showcases Bloom’s new-found intensity. It’s the title track, and it is proof that this new direction for the band is going to work. A depth-filled listen that is far too easy to go wild to, the chorus is damn catchy, and it has a meaty breakdown. Still one of the best tracks on the album.

Although the following Siren Song and Bound to Whispers are not slumming it by any means. Both tracks go hard, Bloom raging as though they have fire running through their veins. It’s a pair of aggressive, but relatable hardcore heavyweights. Both with impressive moments of melody that change the tone here and there, and in some cases, giving the sound a poppier feel.

At this point, it needs to be restated that Maybe in Another Life is oozing in emotive and thought-provoking power throughout. It’s easy to overlook this, when you have the band going as hard as they have been, so here’s Carve Yourself into My Lungs to remind you. Where the voices are what matters here, and the delivery of styles is done so damn well. Don’t be surprised if this one gets you right in the soul.

Likewise, don’t be surprised if You & I also does this, but also compels you to stop bottling up the emotions and just let them pour out in an epically melodious way. Before one of Bloom’s most elaborate efforts comes along in the form of Fragments of a Dream. Really listen to this track, and you’ll find yourself well and truly taken in by it. It’s got one of the album’s strongest choruses, and if you think your lungs can handle it, it begs to be sung along to.

It’s smart for Bloom to change the pace at this point, and in a fun switch-up, they completely let lose with a no-nonsense blast of manic heaviness with Laughing Stock. It’s a ‘straight to the point’ track that is all about heaviness, and only lasts seventy-one seconds.

Still, it’s bloody good and that energy continues into the thrill ride that is An Exit and the massive finale of Through the Threshold, Beyond the Bend. Bloom keeping the fire burning so damn hot right up to the very last second, and that dedication is very much appreciated. This is a banger album, but you already know this.

Bloom – Maybe in Another Life Track Listing:

1. An Entry
2. Maybe In Another Life
3. Siren Song
4. Bound To Your Whispers
5. Carve Yourself into My Lungs
6. You & I
7. Fragments Of a Dream
8. Laughing Stock
9. An Exit
10. Through the Threshold, Beyond the Bend

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