It’s Throwback Thursday once again. Today’s review only goes back to 2013 – but we certainly can’t overlook the ties the now-defunct Idealist has to fellow Raleigh group Attalus.
History
Idealist was a sadly short-lived post-hardcore/emo act from Raleigh, NC. They had one release, the topic of today’s review, then broke up… and released a final song seven months later. The band falls in a similar vein to classic Norma Jean, Defeater, Touché Amoré, and Holding Onto Hope.
Review
This is a progressive and diverse album in many respects. Numerous members contribute to vocals, both clean and screamed; the music is complex but never over-the-top in brutality; lyrics are vulnerable and spiritual all the same.
Six Feet & Twenty Leagues sets a good tone for the album and features a guest appearance of Seth Davey, formerly of Attalus. The Father is a ping-pong match between melody and mosh-pit-inducing riffs, coupled with Norma Jean-esque vocals and baritone cleans that are as smooth as butter. Luther caps the album off, with a runtime that caps seven minutes. It’s strong, dynamic end, featuring plenty of clean vocals, emotional lyrics, and great instrumentation all around. None of the other tracks are worth downplaying, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect.
Though the band has ended, Joseph Couillard is now playing guitar for the aforementioned Attalus. I know they’re certainly a fan favorite here, and he’s definitely a great addition. Follow Attalus here.
Anywhere that you can still pick this up?
Really enjoyed this! Any where that you can still pick it up?
You can download it here:
idealistnc.bandcamp.com/album/i-nebuchadnezzar
I don’t think there are any physical copies left. Sorry!
I’m getting a bit of a Yours For Mine vibe. 🙂
I freaking love this album. These guys were absolutely one of my favorite bands to play with in the Raleigh scene (along with The Future Is Me, The Ethnographers, and Greaver). I would always ask them if I could do the guest vocal part on Paranoia. Fun story, I had suggested a vocalist for that part on the album, but really had wanted to do it myself. I later found out that they would have had me do it. Oh well, it was a blast to do live, anyway. Also, not to be *that* guy, Casey, but Joseph is playing… Read more »
Man, what a missed opportunity – but yeah, they’re excellent. (Also appreciate you mentioning The Ethnographers – RIP). I’ll make the edit to guitar, I have no idea why I thought he was doing drums.