Transformational ‘Tapestry’

The first full-length album from Past Lives is all about anxiety rising beneath the surface. “Tapestry of Webs” presents a dark but compelling picture.

In a past life, most of the band’s members were part of Blood Brothers, a group best known for its penchant for screaming. This new group is a drastic departure. Jordan Blilie’s vocals are allowed to simmer on most tracks, rather than boil over like in his previous work. The new-found mellowness doesn’t mean any of the songs are very upbeat, though.

The opener, “Paralyzer,” is the album’s most optimistic track, but an intruding guitar solo evokes a swarm of hornets and signals darker things to come. The tension steadily builds, and the only respite is “At Rest,” a muted instrumental transition before the album’s final tracks.

“Tapestry of Webs” is a mature statement from a band still in its infancy. Not a bad start.