Here’s an awesome review of “Sell The Future” from Greece’s Rock’n’Roll Monuments!
(translated from Greek)
Cortez sells… but Who’s Buying?
The Boston band Cortez return to the discography relatively earlier than the previous time, which took five years from the eponymous debut to The Depths Below (2017). The basic pattern has not changed and the slogan “hair, beards, distortion and throttle” remains their top choice. Also in turn, the change of face behind the drum kit has not affected the musical direction which is still moving on the perimeter of Stoner / Doom / Heavy Rock.
The third album is titled Sell The Future and is a cry of despair and at the same time an attempt to wake up, even at the last minute, in order to avoid the fall of modern culture into the void. Obviously the central idea of the album played a decisive role both synthetically and lyrically.
At the same time, it pushed the band to explore other sounds, resulting in the decoration of the songs with more melody, but not at the expense of strength and volume, as well as the use of space rock elements in larger doses than in the past. Finally, there are moments with a vagrant and punk mood that beautifully complement a very interesting, and anything but monotonous album.
The opening track “No Escape” is dynamic and fast, based on an easy-to-remember riff with a strong sense of the road. “Sell the Future” which follows, is heavy and unstoppable, almost Doom, which is in stark contrast to the start of the album, however it steals a place among the top.
Continue with extra throttle and Look at You. Heavy and melodic, yet spacey at the same time, thanks to Matt’s vocal interpretation, an ideal radio choice.
In position four is the song “Faulty Authors” where the space-rock introduction prepares for a modest musical journey with the corresponding heavy outbursts, of course. This is followed by “Deceivers”, a typical Heavy Rock track with a strong rhythm and angry enough.
It is “Sharpen the Spear” that we enjoy next, which is probably the best composition of the album. Medium tempo, almost pure Heavy Metal structure, and most importantly, epic atmosphere which is based on both the guitar themes and the similar style of vocal interpretation. Almost creepy.
We return to Heavy Rock overall, with “Vanishing Point”, a typical Cortez track, ideal for ‘brewing’ after music. The curtain falls with “Beyond”. A dynamic and at the same time intensely emotional composition that brings to the surface the great potential of the band. It combines classic and modern Rock elements, cleverly placed and worked without altering the musical identity. The gradual increase of intensity and the passionate interpretation make it one of the most important moments.
The choice of a black and white sketch where destruction and death prevail as an album cover, completes this year’s Cortez manifesto. Sell the Future is a multi-receiver album and covers a wide range of fans looking for a clear, dynamic and unadulterated sound with specific social and cultural messages. Ideal for speaker release, discharge and reflection… in moderation!
