Album Review: SENTRIES - Gem of the West

In returning to one’s hometown, more deep-seated thoughts start to unravel. ‘Gem of the West’ continues to spool into SENTRIES’ brand of frictious art rock that may not leave a scathing impression, but does explore its introspective thematic areas potently.

Sometimes, when you feel like you’ve exhausted all your existential wallow to the world, the process of returning home resurfaces a layer of emotions that’s worth prodding. Reflecting upon what has changed… And what has not. ‘Gem of the West’ has Kim Elliot return from his hometown, where the cryptic writing now dissolves into personal framing—revealing the lingering thorns from the time of living in a town within Lethbridge that has changed him, mostly due to the pile-ups of anger, distrust, and tiring cycles that have stuck with him throughout his entire life. A set of morose emotions that he doesn’t want to embrace long enough, especially when there’s someone in his life who’s worth spending time with, and how he wants to end up being freer and more human, given the glaring details that he has towards the place that he calls home.

That reflection somewhat works within SENTRIES’ brand of post-punk and noise rock. Kim Elliot’s theatrical vocals swing across wiry riffs and off-kilter passages naturally well, but his intensity works against a vocal mix that ends up swinging back and forth within these songs. A justification for the overall content, even if it shades away Kim’s presence on the microphone. Despite that and some structural issues where some songs end up extending their time a bit too long, there is enough firepower and tonal contrasts that work to SENTRIES’ benefit. ‘The Cowboy’s Carcass’ with its overwhelming layers of chaor riffs, tense piano chords, and ramping percussions; the sweaty post-punk whirl of ‘I Can, and I Will’; the acoustic guitars that play along with the moodier riffs of ‘Red Eye Removal’; and the gentle acoustics and pianos of ‘I Saw Someone Die in Sudbury, ON’ that opens these rapid blasts of drums amidst Kim’s tense vocal shouts and ends with that calming array of drones and guitars.

While ‘Gem of the West’ is not exactly mindboggling in its sonic approach for post-punk and art rock, it does serve as a solid exploration of SENTRIES’ thematic focus that connects well with their compositions. An introspection of past experiences and stinging emotions that have to be let go of. Embracing sharp edges with smoother surfaces, this is a flawed gem that can withstand harsh environments.

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Favorite Tracks: ‘The Cowboy’s Carcass’, ‘I Can, and I Will’, ‘Red Eye Removal’, ‘I Saw Someone Die in Sudbury, ON’

Least Favorite Track: ‘Code’