Noēsis - The Current

​Noēsis

The Current
self-released; 2016

​3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Even when I was in my 20’s I had a time taking bands seriously that seemed really serious. Tool and System of a Down come to mind. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for both of those bands and think Tool especially has released some incredible music. All I’m saying is  that once in a while I would laugh about how overly serious their music seemed as if they were conducting clandestine Knights of Templar meetings in an abandoned mystic pyramid figuring out the mystery of the cosmos. I think it’s safe to say that Noēsis has a similar vibe to aforementioned bands on their album The Current. There isn’t an ounce of levity in the music and song titles like “Post Mortem Illness” and “The Thing Called Consciousness” only reinforce the feel of the music.

Jonathan Gagné (vocals), Charles Lavoie (guitars), Samy Guenette (guitars), Anthony Hébert (bass) and Cédric Lepage (drums) are the members of the band and also when to college for music. It wasn't much of a surprise that the band has some serious technical talent. Regardless if this is your cup of tea or not there is no denying that these guys can rip it up.

The band opens with “The Prey” which introduces the band with a maniacal laugh. Right away the band is in it. They are in the pocket and I was immediately impressed by the drumming skills of Lepage. The band is dynamic. They know how to make a crescendo and build up work to their advantage. 

After the first song I was looking at what remained and I have to admit I felt overwhelmed.”Post Mortem Illness,” “Until The Sun” and “The Fall of Barca” were all over the nine-minute mark. I’ll say this. If you enjoyed the the first song you’ll enjoy the rest of it. With that it will most likely take multiple listens to digest the girth-y meal of double bass drum, guitar fills, bass, etc.

​The Current is an album that I have to be in the mood for. It’s not one I can pop in every day during my morning drive to work. I will admit it'd be a little intense. That's just me. Perhaps you are the type who enjoys face planting lead guitar and amps turned up to eleven in the morning. If so don’t hesitate. You just found your new favorite album.

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