The shackles fall away in Master Splinter’s latest single, Unbound, a track that affirms their status as Portland’s ultimate emissaries of mind, body, and soul-melting sludgy stoner-rock chaos.
As a departure from their previous releases, Unbound is a lyrically abstract release which lets their signature blend of monolithic guitar riffs, dynamic basslines, and intricate percussion carry the spellbinding conversation while the lyrics breathe into the tempestuous mix as thematic abstractions.
It’s as unpredictable as it is entrancing—a visceral concoction that melds East-inspired mysticism with the raw intensity of Midwest grunge. Opening with opium-scented, hypnotic tones, Unbound evolves into an intricate vortex of progressive rock textures, ascending around grungy, Eddie Vedder-esque croons that carry enough smoky potency to leave you reeling.
The climactic moments are tightly controlled chaos, like a ship steered by an expert hand through a riot, reinforcing Master Splinter’s fearless approach to orchestrating dramatic vignettes.
Master Splinter’s unorthodox approach to hard rock strips away monocultural boundaries, crafting a sound that is equal parts primal and sophisticated. As the track crescendos, the constrictive tethers of typical genre constraints are shattered, leaving listeners adrift in an aural maelstrom, allowing Master Splinter to round out the year of faultless releases on a monumental note.
Unbound was unleashed on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, on December 13.
Review by Amelia Vandergast
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