At once a metal band, math rock band, and experimental post-rock band all at the same time, predicting God Alone. seems particularly futile, especially after 2022’s ETC EP. ETC showed us that the band wasn’t just capable of evolving at a natural rate, but making quantum leaps. They kept the intensity but channeled it with a transcendence only hinted at before using disparate elements of the genres above.
So when news of an incoming LP from the Cork outfit reached out ears, of course we were stoked, and the title track teased a sound that essentially blended more of their heavier side into the complex wizardry defining their latest run. Then came “Pink Himalayan,” which was great, but also a total sidestep from either side of our expectations with its dance-able 2006 vibes.
This was actually pretty smart on the band’s part because between the two singles, we knew it would have the same fervor, but potentially continue to knock down new doors for God Alone. Turns out, this is absolutely the case, but in polar opposite directions – both of them excellent.
Arguably, the band’s never been more intense than they are The Beep Test, from “Tony Gawk” to “Yupasaid.” But there are also moments they’ve never been more accessible, like “Pink Himalayan” and “Sir Laplage”. There’s also some purely futuristic math rock on display with the last few tracks like “Bluesine” and “Rinser,” and it’s at this point in the album that one comparison clicked for us, being UK’s illustrious post-punk outfit Squid. But not from any one sound in particular – just their overall commitment to the bit.
Topping the scope of ETC, even if it was an EP and therefore shorter, would be difficult. It would be even more difficult if you happen to be in the band and not want to repeat yourself. But The Beep Test is a smashing success in that regard, and even if you haven’t been hip to them up to this point, it’s time you change that, because it’s an album that exudes as much restraint as it does strength while making good on every threat the EP dared to make. We’ll try to manage expectations, but something tells us that even after all this time, if they’re going to continue to absorb and evolve like this, things are just beginning for God Alone.
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