Glassjaw
Worship and Tribute
Released in July of 2002, the album continues to be one of the most acclaimed and influential records amongst fans and critics alike. Now, the post-hardcore four -piece from Long Island looks to show fans their appreciation by playing the album that helped rethink, reshape, and expand the boundaries of the genre at Irving Plaza.
Worship and Tribute wastes no time in engaging its listeners as the opening track, “Tip Your Bartender,” delivers a solid hook draped in heavy guitar riffs and syncopated rhythms. Though this description can be applied for just about every song on this release, Glassjaw never settles into a formulaic pattern. Instead, they cover a range of musical styles that includes a number of musical influences ranging from hardcore and metal to indie/alternative and pop rock.
This is demonstrated throughout a number of tracks. “Ape Dos Mil” and “Pink Roses” find steadier footing in repressed instrumentation and cleaner vocals, while “Mu Empire” and “Radio Cambodia” are full-on assaults. With an eclectic approach, each song delicately melds influences without becoming jarring.
Though the sonic assaults can get a little unnerving at times, singer/front man Daryl Palumbo provides smooth melody, which ultimately brings a steadiness to each track. Palumbo’s vocal style is one of the most memorable aspects of this record. The singer finds a unique dynamic as he tiptoes between smooth and boisterous clean vocals and guttural screaming fits. Although screaming has become a bigger part of music over the last decade, Palumbo’s approach comes across as being both vital and authentic.
The greatest strength of Worship and Tribute is not hinged on one person, instrument, or any other singularity. Instead, it lies with the band’s cohesiveness. Each element helps to build on the other, and the result is a truly layered body of work with an unquestionably honest approach. More often than not, themes tread in both lyrics and instrumentation are recycled and reproduced. This record showed (and continues to show) listeners how to break out of that mold.
Worship and Tribute is the most classic album you’ve never heard of. But while it may not be remembered with the greats of bands past, this record helped shape and define music for a new generation. With only one record (and one EP) prior, Glassjaw shred the curse of the “sophomore slump,” and deliver one of the most intriguing and memorable records this side of the 2000s. Saturday, 7.7 & Sunday 7.8 @ Irving Plaza
