From floating in “Midnight Zone” to levitating in “Spinning,” an alluring world is being suspended in midair and there is nothing to do but get swallowed by it. This new approach reverberates with ambient instrumentals, synths, autotune, and relaxed vocals.īalance manages to make this transformation feel seamless and organic - even if bothered fans label it ‘experimental,’ the band knows what they’re doing. His voice first emerges on “Midnight Zone” high-pitched and romantic, singing, “In the ocean we can barely float / In the ocean further down we go / I don’t want to know your motive.” This is not completely different from Balance’s past turmoils - it is only less urgent. Lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Simmons may be famous for his bellowing vocals, but Light We Made proves he has more to offer. Light We Made is definitely not what they’re known for and I was transfixed on their other albums later on, but it entranced me in a completely different way that was just as strong. It was an unlikely transition - 2011’s Separation and 2013’s The Things We Think We’re Missing served as the driving forces for most of their fans’ passion, except me. It was an album I found perfect for sedate late night drives and focused writing sessions when I was sixteen and just getting into the band. Separation will be regarded as one of the best releases of the year, as it should be, but Balance & Composure are capable of a lot more.After dedicating myself to a few dates of the upcoming Balance And Composure tour, I decided it was time to return to Light We Made.
Where Brand New are consistently breaking boundaries and expanding their sound, Balance & Composure haven’t really done anything but refine the sound we heard on their first two EP’s. As stated above, many have already started comparing Separation to Brand New’s Daisy but that seems like quite a stretch. Considering how much potential this band seems to posses, I feel Separation could have been a lot more.
This is a great debut release for the band but I can’t help feeling slightly letdown. This is all complimented by the raw, unpolished production of Brian Mcternan. As dreary as they may be, the lyrical approach sounds honest as Jonathan Simmons and Andrew Slaymaker switch between abrasive emotional shouts and gritty vulnerable melodies with a sense of urgency. It’s clear from the onset it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows as the album opens with the line, “Found out everyone is shallow / No depth / The ugly seem to follow,” and continues with this bleak outlook for the majority of the tracks. Though the lack of dynamics can make for a dull album at times, it’s hard not to be pulled into the rich personal experience that they create.
The beauty of Separation is in its simplicity as it avoids the complex patterns and wide array of influences plaguing many of their peers and instead relies on the straight forward grunge tinged indie rock that got them here. I think the critics are a bit hasty in those comparisons, but it’s clear Balance & Composure carry a great deal of potential. This of course has all changed with the release of Separation, an album that has drawn comparisons to contemporary greats such as Brand New and Manchester Orchestra. Formed in 2007, they’ve kept a quiet presence in the PA scene releasing only two EP’s and keeping a minimal touring schedule. Though the name Balance & Composure may not stir immediate name recognition, they aren’t exactly a new band either.
BALANCE AND COMPOSURE DISCOGRAPHY FULL
While that in itself is quite an accomplishment, what is astonishing is the fact that this is the bands debut full length. Separation is not a complicated album nor is it very diverse, yet Balance & Composure have managed to create a record that truly sets them apart from their peers. Balance and Composure – Separation - No Sleep, 2011