Album Review: Critical Mass

Beginning life in Wellington’s post-punk Terrace scene of the late 70’s and early 80’s, Beat Rhythm Fashion went on an ostensibly indefinite hiatus in the mid 80’s, only to reform 35 years later. Brothers Nino and Dan Birch had been the cornerstone of the trio in its heyday, but sadly Dan passed in 2011. However, the band reformed with long-time drummer Caroline Easther and new bassist Rob Mayes in 2018, releasing the album Tenterhook in 2019. There is a fantastic write-up on the band’s storied history, over at Audioculture, here.

Critical Mass is the latest release from the contemporary line-up of Birch/Easther/Mayes, the title referencing both the literal meaning of “to reach a breaking point/a point of propulsion to another place or state” and also a commentary on the “mindset of the modern world…The “Critique” of our world by us. “The Critics”, critiquing us. “Mass”, in religion. The multi-layered and complex world we live in now”. The eleven-track album is a magnificent presenting of masterful talent, the post-punk dreamy shoegaze pioneers at the top of their game.

Fall & Rise Again starts off with an artful blend of darkness and light, the superb vocal harmonies delivering lyrics with a bleak look at governments, which leads into the peacefully dream-like No Wonder, as if you’re adrift on clouds, but the reflective lyrics hint that they’re storm clouds. There is an almost mournful feel to Remote Science, a yearning ballad of homecoming. By contrast, We Be Free is upbeat and happy, with an absolute summer’s day of a feel, a bright ray of light and joy. What We’ve Become makes its presence known in no uncertain terms, a strong, cascading guitar line driving this thoughtful and introspective piece.

Quite unlike any of the previous tracks in its approach, Atonement, at certain points, brought Pink Floyd to mind with its laid-back spaciousness. There’s a tasty drum intro to Exit Here, leading into a light-hearted feel that blooms into something earnest and soulful. It’s only fitting that a song called Asylum would be brooding and dark, but that haunting atmosphere evolves into a much more hopeful mood. A strong, purposeful energy propels World View as it entreats for greater compassion and understanding, leaving So Be It to then burst forth, airy and sweet, an ode to letting go and living freely. Doubt Benefit amply rounds things off, a soft but solid groove underpinning lyrics encouraging healthy skepticism, a fitting end to this “intimate, personal, and heartfelt” offering from a band of exceptional musical artisans. 

Critical Mass is a powerful and worthy addition to the Beat Rhythm Fashion catalogue, and is available through Failsafe Records.