June 5th is the date that keeps on giving. An album I’ve been looking forward to for several months now is Currents’ The Way it Ends. After powerful releases The Place I Feel Safest and I Let the Devil In, a lot of people are taking notice of the band, who’ve been touring with the likes of Silent Planet, Northlane, and Fit for a King. As such, The Way it Ends comes highly-anticipated, and will be a defining moment in the Currents’ career.
The Way it Ends begins with “It Was Never There,” a brief intro centered on immersing the listener into the presentation of Currents before the heaviness ensues. What follows is the crucial single for the band, “A Flag to Wave,” the song that got me all ears into this release. With a laser-focused composition, this piece implements all of the moving parts to make for an instant classic, with an anthemic chorus, crushing blast beats, and a devastating closing breakdown. This is a song fans in the scene will be talking about for years to come.
Almost within deathcore territory, “Poverty of Self” comes in swinging. Currents is no slouch in lyricism, as evidenced here: “The broken suffer brought to their knees The guilty prosper consumed by greed A vicious cycle stuck on repeat The innocent stripped of humanity.” The varied riffs throughout the song add more oomph to the song, and the breakdown is monstrous as usual. “Monsters” chimes in with meaningful clean vocals and some welcome experimentation in the guitar tones. I’m loving the solo near the end, which is simultaneously flashy and tasteful.
Another complex hook opens “Kill the Ache” with driven synth and a solemn verse. It’s impressive to see Currents nail this softer side just as passionately as the stronger one. Thankfully, we get to hear more of this in the next track, “Let Me Leave.” There’s an equivalent amount of force within the yelled vocals as the uncleans, making for the apt lyricism to receive its desired impact. Of note is the tapping riff in the later proceedings, and the memorable final riff to fade the song out.
“Origin” has an infectious electronic intro, and keeps the disparate, emotional vibe going amongst the still-beating heart pumping the instrumentals. “Split” is the grooviest Currents has gotten on The Way it Ends, truly a treat and a departure from previous songs, proof that the band can go fast and slow.
“Second Skin” has yet another elaborate riff compounded by compelling usage of pedals in its verse. The incredible triplet-laden breakdown is one for the ages. Drawing near a close, “How I Fall Apart” seeks an escape from loneliness and self-sufficiency, and shows off more guitar prowess in its solo and heavier moments. We conclude with “Better Days,” a summation of the talent exuded by every band member in this sentimental, empowering conclusion.
I had high expectations for The Way it Ends, and Currents managed to surpass them. Front-to-back, this is not only a maturing of the band’s sound, but a high point in core music, showcasing some of the best it has to offer with a sharply-crafted sound. This is a high contender for album-of-the-year, providing an entertaining listen that will resonate with thousands of listeners to come. Listen to the four singles readily available right now and be sure to give the entire album a listen when it releases June 5th!
A press copy of The Way it Ends was provided courtesy of Atom Splitter PR.
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