The Appleseed Cast bears fruit with 'Peregrine'

With summer creeping closer and spring already here, it is time to look for a job, classes and whatever else takes up time. There is no better time to look for music to change the humid summer strolls and drives. Within a busy, blistering hot schedule, it’s a wise idea to go to one of the fine local CD shops and grab that perfect breezy nighttime album: “Peregrine” by The Appleseed Cast.

The music crowd has ‘panicked at the disco’ already and ‘fell out with the boy’ time and time again with these reoccurring, pop-emo bands. “Peregrine” brings back that old school emo sound that music has been missing out on.

After being picked up by its new label, Militia Group and spending months in the studio since the “Two Conversations” occurred, much has changed in the face of The Appleseed Cast. Aside from picking up newcomer Nathan Richardson, formerly of Casket Lottery, on the drums, The Appleseed Cast has brought a new, haunting electronic feel to their music.

Still keeping the diehard emo vocals and lyrics, Christopher Crisci gives “Peregrine” the lost form of torture that most music has been missing. As the songs blend together, as in the “Low Level Owls” volumes, the electronic plug-ins give The Appleseed Cast a modern feel and enhances the band’s sound from previous albums. The guitar work is just as evocative as before, moaning in and out while screeching over every part of musical bliss. Even though the drumming still has a cadence rhythm to it, Nathan gives his own fast-paced flare, which become “Peregrine’s” climaxes.

Beginning with “Ceremony,” an instrumental track that builds up to an amazing climax to introduce the album, “Woodland Hunter (part 1)” and “Woodland Hunter (part 2)” gives a great ‘to be continued’ attitude that leaves listeners waiting to hear what’s next over seven tracks. In between the two corresponding emotional “Woodland Hunters,” are mentionable songs such as the mellow tone of “Sunlit Ascending,” the electronic and percussion driven “Mountain Halo” and the catchy chorus of “February.” After the long wait to hear the ‘retort’ to “Woodland Hunters (part 1)”, comes the title track “Peregrine,” which gives the album a powerfully driven musical feel over Christopher Crisci’s subtle, yet powerful voice and lyrics.

“Peregrine” will give music audiences both great listening and background music during those summer drives. So pop in the album, roll down those windows and get ready to be transported to a place only imagined.