Ben Quad - 'Painless'
Midwest Emo trailblazers Ben Quad return with a brand new, earth-shattering track from their fresh album ”Wisher” to ring in the autumn season and sad boy music in perfect fashion.
Ben Quad are no stranger to emotionally manipulative and earth-shattering melodies that carry a generation of Midwest emo fans on their backs, and “Painless” is no different. This track shifts from expressive and twinkly guitar riffs, utilising hammer-ons and pull-offs to emphasise their style and writing patterns, and solidify their sound in your mind, before tearing into a culmination of alternate tuning chord patterns that drive home the ever-present sense of existential dread that accompanies every single one of their songs. Ben Quad stand atop the mountain of today's modern emo landscape with a handful of other bands that have seemingly bottled the essence of emotional songwriting. This single pours that essence into every section of its composition, from reflective and crushing choruses about the wasted time of losing friends and the struggles of fighting to support a depressive loved one and feeling so helpless that you yourself become vulnerable, to the army of notes that help carry the melody emanating from the guitar section, “Painless” seamlessly captures human experience and real weight in-between the lines of its tab sheet.
Instrumentally, this is a classic Ben Quad song; tons of variation in technique and writing patterns are something that has always managed to keep the songs fresh and independent from one another, and it's good to see that this methodology is carrying over into the new album as well. The consistency and sheer power of the drumming in this track is second to none and stands out amongst a chaotic background of distorted tapping riffs with ease, carrying a melody all of its own. The drums really act as the powerhouse of this song, allowing everything to flow smoothly while simultaneously cracking the whip and forcing the crowd into a frenzy. This song is also carried by much more than just the chaos radiating from behind the kit, as it is a true standout performance from the guitarists Sam Wegrzynski and Edgar Viveros. The now synonymous tapping style of Midwest emo guitar playing is displayed in a full throttle fashion here as both of these talented players perpetually shred with grace throughout the entire song, changing from impactful and bouncy tapping riffs to heartfelt and emotionally scarring power chords, each coupled with its own respective vocal style to help craft a meaningful and true connection between the band and their audience.
Having worked with Jon Markson, of Story So Far and drug church fame, to master this album, the band have effortlessly pulled from the core of early emo vocal patterns and rhythms to help create something new and fresh, and with a pop punk/emo genius like Jon at the Helm, the production of this track has shot through the roof. Ben Quad continue to cut their teeth on tour this year as they kick off their US tour in support of this album towards the end of October, and then following scene legends, arm's length around the UK and Europe as the perfect opener for a night full of melancholy. “Wisher” releases November 15th via pure noise and is without a doubt the perfect album to sink your teeth into as the days get shorter and gloom settles in, and while you're at it, catch them on tour to experience the full power of this new album.
Words by Josh Pook
