ALBUM REVIEW: Rarity – ‘I Couldn’t Be Weaker’

Rarity I Couldn't Be Weaker
Rarity Album
Source: Rock Sound

Rise Record darlings Rarity gnash their teeth on new record I Couldn’t Be Weaker. The Canadian based band, propel with a stretch of maturity, and they also upscale their sound to fit in with that rock style. And since their well praised EP Alive In Your Eyes, they’ve added a louder and rougher vibe to the set-up. It doesn’t bulldoze what they’ve worked on and tweaked, but it keeps the music bubbling over and valid.

The band clearly want to be listened to with keen ears. They want their sound to evolve and to keep elevating beyond the norm. And to keep the music fresh, there must be different components joined together in unison, never fabricated, never pulled like a plaster from a deep cut, but organised. These components are key, and are set of skills many bands lack.

Okay, the components are belief and musicality, musicianship and lyrical quality. Rarity have all these in their cannon. The lyrics are a staple in their music. They’ve certainly opened up their minds and have let the song-writing mentality take over. They’ve also created the desired effect, coordinating the music with a strong, believable, soul.

I Couldn’t Be Weaker represents a fragile existence too. The main protagonist falls profoundly into a dark place, spurting negativity like a fountain spewing dirty water. He’s also entangled in a restless relationship, narrowly escaping the blackness at every opportunity. It’s also compelling when a band add a story to their work. Often we’re desperately trying to find a fable amongst the sharp lyrics that are mashed by the instrumentals. They’re far too many bands that crash and burn when it comes to writing the perfect sequence of words. They ponder but don’t deliver, they hide their feelings and that can cause problems for the whole product. But, I Couldn’t Be Weaker is a prime example of words that are on the same line as the instrumental parts. Kudos to them.

The album begins with a great guitar and drum sequence that doesn’t drown. The song is called Hollow and it’s a wonderful opening. As the vocals pound through, they become a worthy addition and they complement the poetic strands that describe the misuse of alcohol. Inhale is another guitar driven song that develops into a pile-driver that masks optimism. It’s impure, and it dangerously conveys the curse of the past. Exhale is beautifully sung and the acoustic melody is arresting, exploring new grounds for Rarity.

Rarity have focused on negativity and emotions. Their sound isn’t problematic or soppy, it’s haunting and real. They’ve created a record that pinpoints disregarded love and insecurity. And there’s songs that if they were filled with blood and bones, would burst and break with the pressure of a thumping mind. The album is that dark and commanding, ruling out the feelings of hysteria and euphoria, replacing those feelings with disarray. But, I Couldn’t Be Weaker is a triumph even with its broken heart.

Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.