Review by Rachel Jablonski
I have thought about writing a piece on Confusion Bay for quite awhile now. Each time I sit down to write however I seem to encounter a severe diversion. As my unrestrained thinking develops, one of the eleven songs seeps into my consciousness overtaking all thought processes. For this reason I have procrastinated in composing the Raunchy review out of pure frustration, unable to assemble rational ideas in writing through a music filled mind. But now, without further ado, I plan to jump right into the guts of the album I have been frequently overplaying before I lose complete concentration again. This may yet be a challenge as the song “Watch Out” has somehow oozed into focus.
Confusion Bay, the follow up to Raunchy’s highly regarded Velvet Noise release, is a densely layered album, which allows for an engaging experience with each listen. The vast vocal range and styling remarkably exhibited in conjunction with heavy guitar foundations, widely varied tempos, and well-incorporated synth arrangements entangle into an expansive array of sound. Unpredictable drums pound into conscious recognition only to be rivaled by catchy guitar riffs and more discretely absorbed synth sounds. But on top of this entanglement are dominant vocals that trudge through verses paving the way for catchy and highly addictive chorus lines.
The eleven songs of Confusion Bay are each uniquely distinguished. A fanfare of upward tone progression proclaims a solid introduction in “Join the Scene.” Vocals break fast and heavy in tempo with active drums and assertive guitars. As the chorus sets in, upbeat and melodic vocals become mesmerizing. The shift from the first track to the second, “I Get What I See,” is beautifully maneuvered with astounding fluency. Adrenaline begins to soar with the incline brought about by the commanding guitar riff. High energy continues though blood pumping tracks like “Watch Out,” “Insane,” and “9 – 5.” A particularly interesting song, “9 – 5” contains one of the most memorable chorus lines on the album. In contrast to these animated songs, “The Devil” is dark and mysterious altering mood to a black, quite state that is surprisingly soothing. The lull of cricket sounding effects at the end of the song continues the complacent feelings only to be abruptly broken by the demanding assault of “Insane.”
Unbelievably, I have finally been able to finish this review without too much distraction. It’s a miracle! As “Summer of Overload” begins to enter my head I will leave it at this. Confusion Bay is an album that consists of many musical dimensions. Any careful listener is guaranteed satisfaction in hearing something new with each spin.