Deafheaven Infinite Granite 2LP (Seaglass Blue Vinyl)

Deafheaven's latest album Infinite Granite is a bold and brave leap forward for the band, a gorgeous and invigorating album brimming with style and splendor. In the context of their catalog, it takes on a whole other layer of defiant beauty. Across the album, vocalist George Clarke showcases a startling vocal range; falsettos, whispers, multi-part harmonies, and other adventurous vocal treatments, with his trademark black metal-inspired howls mostly absent. Guitarists Kerry McCoy and Shiv Mehra expand their sonic palette to include synth textures using them to enrich their astral guitar work rather than outright replace it. Drummer Daniel Tracy has always been a force to reckon with behind the kit, but where he used to floor audiences with his speed and stamina, he's now free to broaden his approach and lay down authoritative drum patterns that together with bassist Christopher Johnson's punchy bass lines anchor the band's lofty arrangements. The refinement of their sound was further encouraged by producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen (M83, Paramore, Wolf Alice, Metric), who lent a pop ear to the record. Ultimately, Infinite Granite is Deafheaven's most goosebump-inducing album to date.