So Many Leapers

I had this band’s debut and so far only release on my wish list for quite some time now, without really knowing what they sounded like. I read some positive reviews online though, labeling them as a blend of pop/rock/hard rock or as a progressive gothic metal band. Comparing them to Rush with Avril Lavigne on vocals, Anvil and Black Sabbath. No wonder I was not sure what to expect.

To get the style of playing out of the way: after listening to the disc a couple of times I would classify them as a progressive metal/rock band with some Stoner Rock-ish moments in a couple of the songs. I think the gothic tag does not apply to them at all though and it seems this categorization is just placed upon them because they happen to have a female singer.

And what a singer she is! She is just one of those singers you like right away, without knowing exactly why, I guess she has a certain warm tone and powerful voice that’s highly enjoyable to listen too. She excels in the slower song “Histories” with it’s catchy chorus (which is an amazing song and probably my favorite after a couple of spins).

The “progressive” elements are highlighted in very enjoyable instrumental parts in the more up-tempo songs. Showing off the skills of the band. These guys are all excellent with their instruments! Although they utilize some song structures that would classify them as progressive, I must stress that this is not the showing off, “hey look at how good I am with my guitar” sort of progressive, but always has a rocky head bopping edge.

I am quite impressed with this debut release. This band deserves to be heard!

Note: I read the singer has left the band since the release of this disc though, and I truly hope they found a suitable replacement.

I've never been much of a gothic or a prog fan, so this review will be mostly geared towards those who are. Arapacis is just such a fusion out of Quebec. Clean female vocals with periodic growls, melodic yet heavy riffing backed up by rock-inspired leads and ethereal synth lines, omnipresent bass forming a bed for the guitars, basic but effective drum performance: pretty standard, all things considered. But it's executed pretty effectively at points, though some much more than others. Overall, 'So Many Leapers' is a pretty solid debut for this band.

Arapacis excels, like most gothic bands, on their slower, ballad-style songs. There's a high level of guitar/hard rock influence on this album that is more beneficial than detrimental, giving the songs a tinge of groove necessary to keep them moving. The addition of melodramatic leads keeps the emotional highs of the compositions flowing well, such as on 'Histories', probably the best track on this CD. This is where the band syncs up perfectly: making melodic, rock influenced metal that manages to be catchy, captivating, and well-written without an excess of clutter.

There are a couple slip-ups, but nothing that ruins the album. Vocals are generally good, but there are points where Shelsey Jarvis feels it necessary to let loose a screech that's beyond her abilities, causing my eye to twitch in a most unpleasant fashion. This also isn't a terribly original release, but I think that'll be fixed with time: all the performers are capable, and the progressive leanings that you hear in the music bode well for the future. It's merely a matter of time and practice before they break out into a more popular audience.

While not my favorite style of music, Arapacis' debut LP is a solid representation of such a fusion that would appeal to many fans of such. Might as well give it a go and see for yourself.