Regulate is a hardcore band that blends elements of punk, indie, and emo into their sound. Honestly, they seem to shine brightest when exploring the more ambient and lighter aspects of their music rather than when diving into hard-hitting hardcore territory. The major standout on this album is the vocals, specifically the clean vocals, which are far more impressive than the harsher, unclean vocals. Either the main vocalist or the backing singers have some remarkable singing abilities, and every time they switch to clean singing, the emotional depth of the song skyrockets. The shift in tone and delivery takes the intensity of the track to a whole new level, making it all the more captivating.
Take the opening track, "In the Moment," for instance. It begins as a solid hardcore song, with deep bass, fast, ripping guitars, and pounding drums that get your adrenaline pumping. But then, out of nowhere, the clean vocals kick in, accompanied by some emo-inspired melodies, and it feels like the whole song elevates to another level. The clean vocals add a surprising emotional punch that gives the track a depth and resonance that’s hard to ignore.
The band takes things even further on "Hair," where they craft an ambient, almost emo-centric song. The clean vocals here are even more prominent, paired with deeply personal lyrics and soft, clean instrumentation that is a stark contrast to the heavier, more aggressive parts of their sound. This track feels almost like an introspective moment, and the raw emotion in the clean vocals hits you right in the gut. It’s here that the band shows they’re capable of so much more than just hard-hitting riffs.
The instrumental track "Ugata" continues this trend, with some of the most interesting drumming and ambient-like guitars on the album. The overall sound is atmospheric and introspective, evoking the kind of emo vibe that works so well with the band's style. It’s a moment of musical beauty that showcases just how effective they can be when they embrace softer, more ambient elements.
When the band returns to their harder songs, there's a sense of disappointment, as it feels like they miss an opportunity to incorporate more of those emotional, clean moments. The hardcore tracks themselves are solid, with some great riffs and heavy breakdowns, but they don't carry the same emotional weight as the softer, more introspective songs. The hardcore songs evoke a classic AFI or Biohazard feel, which is certainly enjoyable for fans of those styles, but they lack the emotional resonance that the band's lighter moments deliver so effortlessly.
At the end of the day, while Regulate does a great job with their hardcore material, it seems like they’re more suited to an emo-inspired sound. Their clean vocals, personal lyrics, and ability to craft ambient, emotional music are where they truly shine. While the heavier tracks provide the traditional hardcore elements that fans love, it’s in the softer, more ambient songs that the band truly demonstrates their potential and unique voice. Regulate may just be at their best when they lean into their emo-like influences, offering an emotionally charged sound that could set them apart from the crowd.