BELMONT — ‘LIMINAL’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ahead of Belmont’s third album release this weekend, I got the chance to preview ‘Liminal’ in all it’s glory. 12 tracks of untamed, pop-punk. Having just released their fifth single, there is no shadow of a doubt that ‘Liminal’ is shaping up to be one of the strongest releases of 2024 so far. Combining classic pop-punk attributes of shouty vocals with rock and metal inspired heavy instrumental breakdowns, there is certainly no liminal space in this record.

Kicking things off with a the powerfull ‘SSX Trickmont’, you instantly get the feeling that this album represents a shedding of old weight. The rigid structure of the lyrics nods to a sense of suffocation from being in the space between the old and new version of yourself. The transition between pop-punk esk sing-along choruses and thumping, metal infused verses make for an unforgettable introduction and sets the tone for the album which explores themes of transition represented through the band embracing different musical styles.

The title track is third in line and with no signs of slowing down, ‘Liminal’ is another anthemic track bursting with chorused vocals and spirited synth beds. By now, you get the sense of the overall message the record is trying to convey- it’s the space between living with your mistakes and trying to do better, even when the past comes back to haunt you. Keeping your chin up in the face of adversity.

‘Day By Day’ delves into the bands electronic influences, a warbling synth explodes into layered vocals that discuss the singers feelings of guilt and the downfall of their personal life as they loose friends and pieces of themselves, the repetitive nature of the music is a metaphor of the experience the singer has by repeating the cycles. The contrast between clean and screaming vocals emulates this sense of the voice inside the singers head they battle with and the brief synth interlude and outro feel like moments of reflection, a light in the dark perhaps.

Leaning into the bands pop-punk roots, ‘Dark Paradise’ is packed with catchy, somber lyrics and punching drums you feel in your chest, provoking vivid emotional responses. The shortest track on the record but not the least impactful, this song echos a theme of letting go of someone you loved, unable to repair the damage done but living with the grief in moving on.

Smoothly following on, ‘All Bite’ is the angrier sibling of ‘Dark Paradise’. It processes darker feelings through layered chunky guitar riffs on top a bed of synths that create an ethereal undertone whilst thumping drums hold space for the raw, emotive lyrics to shine through. The abrupt transition to the chorus is a personal favourite of mine as the brief silence reinforces the lyrics and creates anticiaption for the change of pace.

This record goes from strength to strength and the catharsis experienced from listening alone is testament to the undeniable weight it holds. As far as albums go, theres little more you could ask for. Belmont haven’t held back in fusing a number of genres from pop-punk, metal, electronic and rock to bring us an eclectic montage of tracks that display the bands musical and songwriting ability.