Palace
“As the years have gone by, we’ve all seen many compromise who they are. On the flip side, we’ve been fortunate to have those that don’t and continue to challenge themselves, whether through books, art, or music. With the new self-released album Palace, the Los Angeles by-way-of-SLC BYSTS continues to do things its own way. The new album follows 2018’s Dreamland EP, which the band was once described as being “relentless and hell bend on giving every ounce of its being” into those songs. On the new release, multi-instrumentalists Stephanie Marlow and Brian Holbrook seem to have honed and reigned in the sonic bombast for something more refined.
Make no mistake though, BYSTS continues to deliver its noisy efforts though this time the band moves sinisterly from track to track with semblances of psychedelia throughout, controlling the chaos at every turn. As BYSTS opens “Extra Virgin” with waves of guitar distortion, the band gradually lowers its voluminous levels to give the track breathing room. The song lingers in the atmosphere over a hypnotic rhythm, curving around dueling vocals. Marlow’s distant harmonies complement those of Holbrook, finding a sensual meeting ground between the two. It works to the band’s obvious advantage. The band builds on that energy as it careens into “Breathless,” which seems to build around the rhythm as the duo’s vocals coo into one another. It’s the calm within the center of the storm with guitars raging in and out around a mechanical rhythm.
For some reason it’s “Runes,” with its noisy & mesmerizing head-nodding beat I’m drawn to. Marlow takes the lead here and the song seems to intensify as it continually progresses. I know that isn’t the case (or is it) but it’s a testament to the song’s power. It’s the downbeat, that moment where we know that yes, BYSTS is that group, that band that showers us with consistency in its abrasive candy-coated pop. Again, it’s that trance-inducing rhythm as guitars wrap themselves around it, with Marlow’s innocent vocal delivery. Yes, it’s the song that plays on repeat time and time again. Both Marlow & Holbrook split lead vocal duties throughout the album but the songs always remain BYSTS although the band switches gears on “16mm Lover,” slowing down the pace but never relinquishing energy. It’s a bass-heavy groove with Marlow’s cooing voice all throughout. Guitars explode at points, but the colorful psychedelia always remains. It’s unexpected, as is “Marathons” with Holbrook’s breathy vocals in the foreground. The rhythmic build is fascinating, holding it all together as spacey guitars are drawn out much like a musical fantastic voyage of sorts.
It’s easy to admire the songs pieced together on Palaces, not generally an easy listen but always exciting. There’s growth in the music by BYSTS which we can definitely hear throughout the release. Is this worth your time? Of course, it is so why wouldn’t you want to listen to one of the best records of 2021.”