Album Review: Pleiades – Affinity With (Self Released)

Affinity With is the title of the debut album from Manchester’s post hardcore champions Pleiades. The record is inspired by stories of empathy and human nature as the band set out to be the sculptors of a bold new sonic landscape. It will be released on September 29th, 2023.

There’s a lot to enjoy about Pleiades’ debut album, nothing more notable than the heartfelt and believable passion that the group pour into every single track. Showcasing familiar post-hardcore vibes but adding their own touches through a mix of alternative, punk, and pop intensity. It’s an album you can easily lose your s**t to, while also appreciating the drama and melody.

All of which is incredibly notable from the start with Honeyguide and Siberian. The latter of the two is where this album really bursts into life, and it sees Pleiades creating a myriad of emphatic highs and emotive lows. Their experimental side is balanced nicely with their abilities to be anthemic.

Showcasing a wilder mix of melody and manic ‘core groove, Stomach hits hard. Only to be followed by monumental Looming, a track with some brilliant bursts of fire, and the elaborate melody-led vibe of Universal. Watch out with the latter track though as the last minute or so goes hard.

As amazing as the variety has been so far, Pleiades truly take it up a notch with the near seven-minute epic that is Amos Clift. Truth be told, you don’t expect a track like this to come from any post-hardcore band, but as it should be abundantly clear at this stage, Pleiades are not your average post-hardcore band. If there is one track that shows just how far ahead of their contemporaries they are, it’s this deeply detailed offering.

It can’t be stressed enough that the aspect of this album that proves to be so compelling is the combination of melody and manic heaviness. It’s what continues to make the latter part of this album as exciting and interesting as what came before. Honeyguide II, Treppenwitz, Tongue, and No Living Thing delivering more thrills and chills as only Pleiades can give. It’s an incredibly pleasing latter run, on an album that please from the moment it begins.

Not bad for a debut release!

Pleiades – Affinity With Track Listing:

1. Honeyguide
2. Siberian
3. Stomach
4. Looming
5. Universal
6. Amos Clift
7. Honeyguide II
8. Treppenwitz
9. Tongue
10. No Living Thing

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