Sometimes, all I need is a fast-paced, over-the-top glam fest, and that is basically what Tulip’s new album is. The Perpetual Dream blows by in a furious hurricane of powerful riffs, blast beats, and hyper melodies, and it’s like a sugary treat to your senses. The album released on May 5th.
Tulip hail from Texas. They have a distinctly American sound, I think. The band includes Ashleigh Semkiw on vocals and keys, Colin Parrish on guitars, Cody Casillas on bass, and Ryan Claxton on drums. I should mention that Ashleigh is a classically trained vocalist, and you can tell that in how tightly and precisely she manages her breathing, no matter what part of her range she is using. Th guitars and rhythm section are both immaculate, too, and a blast to hear.
The band plays a curious combination of progressive metal, symphonic metal, and groove metal. I would say it’s progressive, but in the shallower end of the pool, and the symphonic elements are towering and vibrant, but I wouldn’t put them in the same type of metal as, say, Epica or Nightwish. Just not the same kind of symphonic sound. Much of that is probably because of the grooving, rhythmic tempos they use, and that is also what sets them apart from many bands of other subgenres.
I’ve seen labels like “metalcore” or “djent” slapped on Tulip’s sound, but I honestly don’t hear that. The band has plenty of pop influence, though, and that comes through in the production and overall “look” primarily. They have lots of music videos, lots of passion, and plenty of their own voice to add to the metal scene.
The Perpetual Dream, as high energy and frisky as it may be, actually has a darker, ponderous side. Some of the lyrics are catchy more than anything else, but some of the songs here have deeper meanings and beautifully written verses. The more I delve into the album, the more the lyrics come to life.
The album has twelve tracks, and I would immediately admit that the second half is my favorite. The first six tracks have some of the singles, such as the explosive “Ghost of Kyiv” or the catchy chorus of “The Hanged Man”, or still yet the viciously rhythmic “Assassins”. I love all those songs, with “Gemini” probably be my favorite in the first half. I love how beefy it sounds, and the spacious drumming is pretty addictive. And, I mean, as soon as the intro “DR34MF4RM3R” begins, you know the first half will unleash something theatrical and momentous in scale.
But I tend to like the second half more. It begins with the amazing “Third Eye”, which has some of the best symphonic elements on the album, and I love the tightly written guitar lines and the catchy chorus. I have that one in my head constantly. “Black Rainbow” is another great one with its powerful tone and calculated structure. “Near Death” is one of my favorites for its great lyrics, gorgeous piano and vocal segments, and terrific transitions.
The last couple songs are just as good. “Starseed” at times sounds like space metal, in other times it has group singing and looping melodies, and in other moments it feels cinematic. It’s a great piece that has some meaningful lyrics. The closer, the title track, has some of the most candid vocals from Ashleigh, and I really like that. I almost wish the album had more of it. You’ll hear some harsh vox in the mix in the finale, and overall, it’s just a great ending to quite a ride.
Tulip has a sound that crosses genre borders, and so I think many types of fans will dig them. They have the power and melody to hypnotize the masses, but more thoughtful listeners will find lyrics and spacious moments to savor. The Perpetual Dream is a fun and energetic work that I find myself listening to often.
______________
Find Tulip online:
______________
______________
The PROG Mind 