Filter – The Algorithm
(Golden Robot Records)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
It’s hard to believe that it has been 30 years since Richard Patrick formed Filter. Since the release of their debut album ‘Short Bus’ in 1995, Filter have not only maintained, but grown, a dedicated global fan base. One only needs to look at the wave of excitement that arose with the announcement of the band’s forthcoming tour for evidence. Filter’s distinctive and eclectic approach to rock music obviously draws influence from hard rock and alternative genres, as well as pop music, which arguably is one of the facets that has contributed to the band’s longevity. ‘Hey Man, Nice Shot’, the first single from ‘Short Bus’ became an almost overnight classic, with high rotation across rock and student radio stations, a trend that continues almost three decades since its release. ‘Take My Picture’ from the band’s second album ‘Title of Record’, took a step away from rock in favour of ‘pop’, sitting more comfortably in the ‘radio friendly’ space, yet it remains the band’s most streamed track to date.
Fast forward to 2023 and it has been seven years since Filter released their last album ‘Crazy Eyes’, and while it has been a lengthy wait for new music from the US four-piece, it certainly hasn’t been as long as the nine year hiatus the band underwent between ‘The Amalgamut’ and ‘The Sun Comes Out Tonight’. Yet regardless of the time that has passed between albums, The Algorithm makes it evidently clear that Filter have not lost an ounce of their ferocity. In fact, it could be argued that Filter are as potent now as when they first appeared on the scene.
Featuring eleven tracks, The Algorithm is a sonic tour de force that immediately kicks into gear with moody opening track ‘The Drowning’; a throbbing baseline covered with slick guitar riffs accompanied by Patrick ruminating “how long do we have to watch you be so sick and act like you know it?”. A brief pause gives the listener a moment to catch their breath before the churning ‘Up Against The Wall’ builds to a throbbing momentum, followed by a merging of guitars and effects on ‘For The Beaten’, before being hit with the heavy yet melodic ‘Obliteration’ and ‘Say It Again’.
Interestingly the album also features two outtakes from ‘Rebus’, a project between Patrick and Brian Liesang that was intended to be the successor to ‘Short Bus’; the groove-heavy ‘Summer Child’ and ‘Command Z’, the closing track that is undoubtedly the most laid back offering of the album, ending with the lyric “I want to be as high as a motherfucker, high as fuck“. Well, if music is the ultimate high, then Patrick may have just reached his goal. With tracks both old and new juxtaposed, it is evident just how solid Filter’s sound is, and how the band have remained true to their ethos – having created another captivating heavy rock album for the ages. Listeners, do yourself a favour; put on a quality set of headphones, turn the volume up and listen closely to this album. You’ll want to be well acquainted with these tracks when Filter roll into the country to perform very soon!
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