Borderline Syndrome are a talented band but you can actually say that about a lot of bands nowadays. Their EP “Synapses” sounds great if you just sample bits and pieces. This is a bit misleading as the parts are greater than the whole. The lead track “Internalize” has potential but wordless vocals, a very awkward sounding riff and clumsy transitions prevent the song from being something more than marginally interesting.
The second track “La Fiesta Musical” works out a bit better.The initial riffs work until things go in a more post rock direction. It reminds me a little of how The Dillinger Escape Plan does things but since Borderline Syndrome are really more like a post rock band trying their hand at mathcore, it doesn’t QUITE work. The mid section of the track feels really out of place because of this. It’s a nice section but it doesn’t fit with the riffs before it…or even the oddball stuff after.
The EP finishes up with “Garden Massive Toy.” It’s somewhere between jazz and post rock. Of course with the spoken part about 4 minutes in, I am not really liking the track. It’s an odd number because while it’s mellow, it’s still a bit on the weird side. I like the concept of the song rather than the execution. The keys that follow the spoken word are actually more annoying than the spoken word. Oh well.
“Synapses” is like a jigsaw puzzle where the pieces themselves are really interesting, they just don’t seem to all fit the same puzzle. While I do love avant garde music, the funny thing is that each piece here isn’t all that avant garde on its own. It’s only when you try to push them together that things get a bit weird and unclear. There needs to be a sense of cohesiveness and there just isn’t enough here.
Rating: 5/10
Tracklist:
1. Internalize
2. La Fiesta Musical
3. Garden Massive Toy
Progressive Music Planet 
You must be logged in to post a comment.