Hailing from the great white north of Canada, Quasicosm is here to drop the hammer down on music fans with their new, self-titled debut full-length album! The 11 tracks take the listener on a multi-genre trip that effortlessly melds them into one cohesive and excellent album.
About Quasicosm
As I mentioned, this is the debut full-length release from Quasicosm, and what I like about it is that it pulls in influences from several genres to create solidly entertaining music. Those genres include but aren’t limited to, progressive, heavy psych, 80s metal harmonies, a la Iron Maiden, funk, space rock, groove metal, etc., etc.
The first full track is called “Hohm” and begins with a section that reminds me of grunge-influenced Tragically Hip, another great Canadian act (RIP Gord Downie). As the track progresses, that feeling doesn’t fade but also adds on a “jam band” vibe and some very cool guitar flourishes that sometimes border the shred genre. Looking back on it, this was the perfect way to begin the album.
Next is “Bub City”, which is high on my list of preferred songs from this record. The grooves are infectious, and the vocals have an almost punk-esque attack and attitude behind them. Plus, the bass tone is huge and perfectly fits into things, bringing an almost Tool vibe to the track. This track also utilizes a Devin Townsend type of thing at about the three-and-a-half-minute mark, which necessitates a massive amount of finger dexterity from the guitarists and is very progressive leaning.
“Blue Shift” starts like a Joe Satriani song and doesn’t lose that feeling for much of its four-minute run time. The guitar playing is incredible, and the bulk of the guitar tone is unmistakably 80s Satriani, while the vocals have aspects that remind me of David Lee Roth. Then there are stoner riffs, a guitar section that reminds me of the first album-era Ugly Kid Joe, and a funky vibe that rears its head more than once.
“Pareidolia” is right after “Blue Shift” and lacks none of the things that have made this record so enjoyable for me. There is a Rush-influenced bass tone in the verse sections, more progressive leanings, and a serious hard rock meets grunge style of songwriting. But it’s the bass playing that really sells this one; it’s truly everything I want to hear from a bassist in 2022.
“The Retcon Artist” closes out the record by employing everything that has made this record what it is, hard-driving riffs, an excellent mix of influences, and superb playing by all involved. It’s great when a band can end an album on just as strong a note as they opened it on, and Quasicosm has done just that!
Final Thoughts
I’d honestly be hard-pressed to find anything about this album that I didn’t think was incredible. Quasicosm writes interesting music that runs the gamut of influences that a rock band can take in and then reaches for even more to make their music stand out. Plus, there truly isn’t one bad song on this debut full-length, and that says something in and of itself. So, make your way over to Bandcamp and give this band your time; they are extremely well worth it. Enjoy!
Support Quasicosm by checking out their Bandcamp or find them on social media (Facebook, Instagram).
This review was written by Tom Hanno, who has been writing reviews for the last 7 years but has been sharing his love of music for the majority of his life. Originally starting out at the now defunct Chimera Magazine, he is currently contributing to Doomed and Stoned, The Sleeping Shaman, The Doom Charts, Tom’s Reviews, and The Third Eye. Read more of Tom’s reviews by checking out his Linktree.
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