Breaking through the UK with their enchanting blend of alternative rock and metal, British quintet As Everything Unfolds continue developing their recipe for success with their sophomore album, Ultraviolet (Long Branch Records). The record’s name is inspired by a metaphor for gaining new perspectives on life and is an astoundingly fitting descriptor for the aural experience achieved by each track’s dynamic arrangements.
The simple way to sum up As Everything Unfolds’ sound is as “elegantly heavy”. Their name checks out as you experience the sudden, yet seamless unraveling of their metal influence, emerging among intricate melodies and atmospheric backdrops. As soon as you’ve settled into their polished alternative rock side, they reveal the truth behind their title, showing they’re much more than what immediately meets the ear. If the gracefulness in Charlie Rolfe’s clean vocal delivery has you fooled, it won’t for long as she’ll be escalating into snarky shrieks and ruthless growls a moment later. Along with the ambient soundscapes that transform into fuming breakdowns, they truly are a band of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The opening title track does a solid job of introducing the group’s style to newcomers while still providing a thrill for old fans. Rolfe sings, “Ultraviolet setting the highlights of my life, seeing colors clearer than I ever knew”, laying the foundation for the album’s concept of growth as well as its luminous visualizations. She lets her range and raw passion loose before too long as the chorus jumps into frenzied metalcore screams and guitar rumbles, which unexpectedly return after the delicate piano twinkles and silky harmonies of the bridge.
Even in the tenderhearted ‘Blossom’ they sneak screams and breakdowns into a song that otherwise presents like a ballad, making it known they don’t take the impact of their metal influence for granted. Like a cousin of Evanescence, they feel familiar at times yet have their own distinct qualities – where the aforementioned dips their toes into metal in a more radio-friendly manner, As Everything Unfolds dives headfirst into it shamelessly. The heaviest tracks like ‘Flip Side’ and ‘Slow Down’ make this clear as day among the haunting melodies and encompassing drum beats that ooze with anticipation.
With Ultraviolet, As Everything Unfolds has found their perfect balance between alternative and metalcore. While this record definitely lives up to my expectations, it also leaves me wondering how they will expand on their ambient and metal sides further on future releases. It’s safe to say this was a major step in the right direction, giving high hopes for album three to be their magnum opus.
Buy the album here:
https://aseverythingunfolds.bandcamp.com/album/ultraviolet
8 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY