Album Review: Soul Attrition – Through a Window Pane (Self Released)

Through A Window Pane is the latest release from Soul Attrition. The solo project of Josh Parlette – bass player for Chicago sludge / noise trio, Escape is not Freedom. It was released in December 2022.

I guess one of the fun things about having a project like this is that Josh Parlette really doesn’t have to follow any particular rule. Something he showcased on 2018’s Vashon Rain, the project’s debut album, and a release that integrated components of post-metal, grunge, sludge and alternative metal. Over four years later, he then shows that his creativity really knows no limitations, while also showing a refinement that can only come from experience.

There’s a lot to take in here, not just because it’s a 12-track album, but because there are several lengthy and hefty efforts. Although few may expect the atmospheric opener that is Lung Collapse, a piece of music that has comforting qualities, while also having a vein of darkness running through it. This leads nicely into Suture, and the sound of unashamed moody and grungy alternative metal, something just as prevalent and prevailing in Grand Mal. Although the latter certainly has more accessible groove, even if it gets mighty weird in its last couple of minutes.

We’re only three tracks in and already, Through A Window Pane is proving to be a stellar release. Yet, it really does feel like there’s so much more to come, especially when two giant tracks in the form of 45th Parallel and Defunct Site come along. The former, featuring instrumentation that plays around with unusual melodies, before getting heavier as the track develops. Whereas the latter is a blend of expansive elements. From a dark trawl through really thick sounding grunge and sludge, to a more alternative style that has a bit of catchiness, before heading in a crashing and smashing direction. All warped by a consistent vocal style that has an eerie ring to them. It’s a big one, that much is for sure.

Though, jammed in between them is the extremely palatable The Knowledge of Good Bye. A shortish piece that is melody focused.

After some initial wave-based ambience (that also comes back at the end), Taken by the Great Sea spends nearly 4 minutes delivering a sense of calm. Enjoy it, because The Stye wants to press on with a more robust alternative style and Divorce cuts really deep, being one of the more emotionally charged efforts.

Had your fill? It is a long one so no-one would blame you for feeling a bit exhausted at this stage. Happily, Soul Attrition has plenty of vitality to pump into veins, even if it’s not necessarily an energetic listen that comes with Lucid Mud. It is mightily compelling moodiness though, and when it hits, the head might bang a little. Save a little space in your mind though, because the ending to this album is spectacular. First, with the abrasive sound of noise that comes from Death Benefit, then with the gargantuan Myopia.

If you thought you had heard everything Soul Attrition had to offer, you were very wrong. It’s quite something, but that can be said for the entire album. An incredible accomplishment, Josh Parlette has outdone himself in every single way.

Soul Attrition – Through A Window Pane Track Listing:

1. Lung Collapse
2. Suture
3. Grand Mal
4. 45th Parallel
5. The Knowledge of Good Bye
6. Defunct Site
7. Taken by the Great Sea
8. The Stye
9. Divorce
10. Lucid Mud
11. Death Benefit
12. Myopia

Links

Bandcamp