One of the things I love about music is there is always something new and exciting under the sun. Sometimes you have to search for it and then there are times something amazing just falls into your lap. Those are the best ones. That would be the case with Capstan’s latest release, Cultural Divide. I was aware of the band, I listened to them. But they kind of got lost in the shuffle for me. So I didn’t listen to them a lot. To me, they were just another pop-punk band. That all changed with this release. One of my good friends and resident music aficionado, Ryan sent me a Facebook message going crazy about this release. If not for his excitement, I may have missed out on this album that truly is one of the best releases this year. One of the things that I really like about this EP is how well it has been received by my circle of friends. Everyone that I have suggested it to LOVES IT!!!!! I haven’t heard one negative thing about it. One of the best things that were said is, “this is what August Burns Red would sound like if they were a pop-punk band”. And that was after one listen. This album truly deserves to be heard.
The first thing that stuck out to me was the fact that this was not the same Capstan from 2014. Gone was the pop-punk sound of most of the today’s bands. In its place was a more aggressive sound, almost more of a melodic hardcore, which I found very welcoming. However this isn’t completely new to them as their last EP, Seasonal Depression had those elements at times. This EP just has more.
I think this is a record that hardcore kids can get behind, particularly songs “Return to Sender” and “Consumed”. The latter is one of my favorite songs on the EP. It wasn’t until the video that I truly got what the song was about. It’s about how we let the things we buy control our lives and how we worship them. The human experience is fading because of this. Another standout track is “The Death of an Illusion”. This is one is my favorites on the album. I am one that really doesn’t convey how he is feeling or doing. The first time that I truly listened to this song it had me tears. And I couldn’t stop. It home on so many levels. That is one of the things I look for in music if it makes me feel or think. This track does both. This track, in particular, hit home simply because I’m going through that now. And it’s a little scary to me. But to know that I’m not alone is comforting. Speaking of comfort, there is a line in this song, “Because I’ve found faith in myself and the people I love. Not through medication or forgiveness from above”, that line says it all for me. And I hope that others can find the comfort that I have in that. Sometimes I think we forget that music is a form of therapy. It can truly help us in life.
At just 5 songs long you will be left wanting more. And that is a good thing. It really is that good. Even before I started writing for Tuned Up I did a year end list, I have been doing them for 10 years now. Never in my time of doing that list has an EP been the top album. That very well could change this year. Capstan has released one hell of an album. One that needs to be heard by the masses. So now that you have read my thoughts, go and listen to it for yourself. And let me know what you think. See you in the pit.
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