The Invention Of - Vitruvian

The Invention Of

Vitruvian
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The Invention Of is a five-piece band comprised of Chip Winnans (vocals), Luis Giler (vocals/guitar), Irelio Carvajal (guitar), Ian Valdes (bass/vocals) and Austin Loper (drums). The band recently released Vitruvian which is an exceptional rock album that showcases a band with an original sound and style. There are a number of things that are easy to appreciate about the songs on Vitruvian.

The first thing that stuck out to me was the vocal work of Winnans and Giler. They have contrasting vocals styles but it works great together. The closest comparison I can make would be The Blood Brothers. The music itself is great overall but the onslaught of guitar work is truly exceptional. The guitars often go back and forth competing for space with cascading riffs at times that seem endless. One other thing about this band that was notable was their sound is hard to pinpoint. They are all over the place and combine punk, ska, post-hardcore, rock and progressive styles. It is important to note that they aren’t attempting a different style on every song but rather making a stew, which ends up becoming their sound.

First up is “Introducing…” which even though is only about a-minute-and-a-half long demonstrates the band's strengths. The kick drum is steady and the two lead guitar parts jell into a greater whole. It’s not too long after the band is fiercely rocking out and stops suddenly.

“Blasphemy!” is where the band really starts to flex their muscles. The song launches right into it and contains a myriad of vocal harmonies that make the band stand out. The band doesn't rest on their laurels as they demonstrate right before the two-minute mark. They launch into dark, classical guitar that briefly contains a moment of calm.

The beginning of “"Monarchy” may be the most intense moments of the album. One of the guitarists is basically playing “Eruption” but with a full band. You can hear elements of ska on “Infamy” while the band goes full on acoustic for the closer “Black Widow.”

Suffice it to say Vitruvian may be too intense of a ride for some people. That being said, if you like bands like The Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves this will be your new favorite record.

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