Some of the year's best albums came from bands who made big comebacks after a two decade gap in their discography. I am primarily thinking of Slowdive's eponymous album, The Jesus and Mary Chain's Damage and Joy and Ride's Weather Diaries. None of this records disappointed, proving that patience is a virtue. I could smoothly add Quicksand to this list, pioneers of post hard core scene who have just dropped their third album Interiors. The album came twenty two years later.
Quicksand have roots in New York hardcore scene from the end of 80s and beginning of the 90s. Frontman and guitarist Walter Schreifels played in bands Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today, guitarist Tom Capone formed Beyond, drummer Alan Cage played in experimental hardcore band Burn, while Sergio Vega was member of several short-termed New York bands such as Absolution. Vega was also replacing Chi Cheng in Deftone, a musician who tragically died in a car accident in 2013.
First two albums Slip (1993) and Manic Compression (1995) placed Quicksand in the same category with Fugazi and Helmet. At the moment when they were at the peak of fame, internal arguments and stress cause by long touring inflicted splitting of the band back in 1995. The new album did not come out of nowhere. As the old misunderstandings were overcome, the band gathered again. in 2012 for touring purposes. Frontman and the main engine of the band Walter Schreifeils was very active over the past twenty years. He released one solo album, three records with Rival School, one with Walking Concert and Vanishing Life, and this year he also released an album within his newest project Dead Heavens.
Interiors is an upgrade to Manic Compression, yet Walter's experience with various bands made it sound like a modern guitar rock album, rather than resignation of the old fame or triggering of nostalgia. The album opens with Illuminant, with subtle and powerful riffs, stellar bass line of Sergio Vega and steady rhythm provided by Alan Cage. Just tun the volume up and your legs will jump off the floor. Under The Screw is the type of tune Queens Of The Stone Age have been missing on their past few releases. Following Warm and Low is just another proof that the band did not lose on their energy. They only gained more maturity and grit. Cosmonauts and Hyperion stand as an evidence that they are still capable of mixing melody with raw aesthetic of stoner rock and post hardcore.
Interiors is woven in dark guitar melodies and overall feeling of isolation. It is an album that delivers memories of the 90s guitar rock, but also an album that offers modern take on it. Quicksand confirmed that they deserved the status they had in the 90s.
