Charts And Graphs – Assume The Position

“Assume The Position” is a new release by Charts And Graphs, an outstanding English band based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Heavily promoted by “Said It, Mean It” and “Pressure Pressure,” two excellent singles that you should immediately check out, “Assume The Position” arrives as a follow-up of “Poltergeist II,” their critically acclaimed full-length album released in 2023. Still, their latest effort carries many innovations in songwriting, composing, arranging, and producing, showcasing a natural progression of an already excellent band. Lyrically, the band covers various themes through their songs. From owning your mistakes, society observations, and day-to-day living pressures to snapping out of inertia, and media influences, it’s a highly relatable collection of songs that will immediately resonate with the broader auditorium. Soundwise, Charts And Graphs combine different but complementary music genres to illustrate such rich and luxurious sounds. Perhaps post-punk comes to mind, but you’ll notice how some other elements borrowed from genres like art punk, art rock, alternative, and indie rock found their way into this sonic equation. They use all these additional elements as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to elevate their sound to new heights while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with many different but complementary music genres resulted in a catchy, memorable, engaging post-punk album that will resonate with fans of the genre and beyond.

This epic sonic journey commences with “Memo,” a perfect opening track that showcases what you might expect from the remainder of the album. Empowered by semi-distorted basslines and profoundly detailed rhythmic patterns, this song carries all those mentioned elements, combined with such precision and finesse. The vocals command attention and guide the listening apparatus through each section while the catchy chord progressions and riffs gradually shape the ambiance. It’s a perfect opener that will immediately draw your attention. “Said It, Mean It” brings more speed with energetic, intricate rhythmic sequences and marvelous low-ends. The guitar works shine in the mix, delivering intricate themes and chord progressions, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. This track shines even brighter during the choruses where the entire band offers even more complex instrumentations, delivering premium post-punk to the table. There’s a subtle touch of the late nineties and early noughties alternative rock sound, but these clever musicians dose these elements pretty well, without spoiling the initial post-punk direction. It’s such a beautiful composition and Charts And Graphs picked this particular song as their second single with a reason. “Head Space” commences with punchy, groovy, heavy, cleverly assembled basslines while the sharp, high-pitched, clean chord progressions chop the ambiance in half. It’s one of those profoundly melodic post-punk tracks where each segment delivers marvelous instrumentations that grab you by the collar and refuse to let go long after the song ends. Still, the wisely and tastefully implemented synths are the star of this show. You’ll notice how those synth themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic delicacies reign supreme during pre-choruses and choruses. It’s one of the standouts of this exceptional full-length album. “Pressure Pressure” is another standout track from this epic full-length, blending only the finest sonic ingredients borrowed from indie, alternative, and post-punk. The way these skillful musicians blended synths and guitars goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire composition. This interplay constructs a perfect soundscape for all vocals to shine upon while the rhythm section acts as a backbone that binds everything together. Also, Charts And Graphs carefully implemented the finest properties into it, so “Pressure Pressure” equally shines with nostalgia and modern sound. “Janeen” transports you back into the eighties post-punk landscape with all those expertly assembled, almost funky chord progressions, heavy basslines, and energetic rhythmic sequences while the synths appear during the anthemic choruses. This composition showcases Charts And Graphs’ ability to craft profoundly details post-punk tracks that immediately get into your ears and refuse to let go.

The vocal arrangements are worth praise, and “Physical Specimen” is one of those tracks that vividly showcases this quality. These vocal harmonies command attention and guide listeners through each section by emphasizing each synth, guitar, and drum acrobatic. The impressive vocal range seamlessly balances between low, mid, and high notes, decorating everything these talented musicians tried to achieve with this song. Of course, the remainder of the band provides a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon through intricate synth and guitar layers while the low-ends and drums provide immense support. “Targets And Timelines” is another standout track with all those exceptional, complex, catchy chord progressions lurking around. These guitar works immediately pull you in and force you to dance along those riffs. In the meantime, the equally intricate, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines offer more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding everything together with incredible drumming patterns. Such an incredible composition that will immediately find its way to your playlist. “Wake Up!” slows down the pace a little bit, but it’s another incredible composition that carries all those orchestrations that define Charts And Graph’s signature sound. It’s a complex, funky, danceable tune that forces you to move to the rhythm. “Beat The Heat” is one of those alternative and indie tracks that is instantly reminiscent of the nineties alternative rock. It carries all those qualities that are heard in music by so many renowned bands, but Charts And Graphs found their way to resonate with fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting instrumentations. Still, the pre-chorus and chorus carry that recognizable post-punk vibe that defines their music throughout the entire album. This epic sonic voyage comes to an end with “Who Watches The Watchmen,” an incredible, energetic, powerful post-punk song that encapsulates everything you should know about this band. There are excellent guitar works lurking around while subtle synths lurk somewhere in the background while the punchy basslines and energetic beats keep everything in line and dictate groove and tempo. Such a perfect closure of an incredible album.

“Assume The Position” is the finest post-punk album you’ll experience this year. It’s an unquestionable masterpiece that carries all the fundamental elements of this genre, accompanied by the additional alternative, indie, art rock, and art punk properties that elevate it to new heights. The entire band resonated with so much energy, power, and precision that you’ll gladly place this marvelous album among your favorites this year. You should immediately place it on your music radar. “Assume The Position” is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!