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NATIVE CONSTRUCT

Progressive Metal • United States


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Native Construct biography
NATIVE CONSTRUCT is the product of collaboration between several students that began in 2011 at the storied Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Fueled by a desire to breathe new life into the modern metal genre, NATIVE CONSTRUCT artfully blends a wide spectrum of compositional influences, ranging from classical all the way to prog metal and musical theatre. The result is a wonderfully unique sonic texture, made up of extended-range guitars, theatrical vocals, and a full complement of symphonic instrumentation. Along with guitarist and main composer Myles YANG, Robert EDENS (vocals) and Max HARCHIK (bass) complete the line-up.

In 2014, the band's music caught the ear of Brian Slagel at Metal Blade Records, and led to a recording contract and a worldwide release of the band's debut album, ''Quiet World''. ''Quiet World'' was largely self-produced and written between 2011 and 2013 in between the individual band members' studies at the Berklee College of Music. What began as jam sessions simply for fun eventually turned into a full-fledged musical endeavor. All tracking and programming was done at the band's home studios in Boston, MA, with the exception of vocals, which were recorded with Jamie King at The Basement Studios in Winston-Salem, NC. The album was mixed by Rich Mouser at The Mouse House Studio in Los Angeles, CA, and mastered by Jamie King.

A brief listen to ''Quiet World'' is enough to make it apparent that there is a concept, here. Though it's best to let the band explain the album in their own words: ''Quiet World is about a guy who loves a girl. The guy is a bit of an odd and eccentric person - an outcast. He's also a mute, and a little unstable, as it turns out. The girl doesn't return his feelings, but he can't bring himself to let go. As his unrequited passion for her devolves into obsession and eventual resentment, his mind begins to slip further and further away. He convinces himself that he can't be loved because of his condition and abnormalities. So he decides to create for himself a new, fantastic world of which he has complete control - a world where there are no oddballs or outcasts. A world where everyone is surrounded by people who are just like themselves: a much quieter world.''

Adopted from Metal Blade's official website - edited by aapatsos

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3.72 | 258 ratings
Quiet World
2015

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NATIVE CONSTRUCT Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by ssmarcus

4 stars In March of this year, Native Construct, an exceedingly talented and promising band formed in the halls of Boston's prestigious Berklee School of Music, announced via their Facebook page that they would be taking an "indefinite" hiatus, predictably, due to economic and financial concerns. And with that, the hope for a second-coming of Dream Theater was put to rest. For the time being, fans of the group are left with 'Quiet World,' the band's sole release in their short-lived existence. Blending elements of musical theater and classic prog with death metal and jazz, never has a progressive metal band released a debut album so chock-full with sophistication, inspiration, and promise. While the album has its flaws (it ends on a lousy breakdown of all things), the catchy melodies, sophisticated development of themes across varying styles and genres, and all-around fun of the album more than make up for them.
 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by Menswear
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Whiz Kids.

This album, to me, is a diabolical stew of musical prowess, a « watch me dive, Dad! » album. These guys should be super proud of their work 'cuz this album is the cat's pajamas for many. But will you like it?

Personally, this kind of super showing off is not my cuppa tea. Too much, too loud, too fast. Think of Andromeda and A.C.T. but electroshockingly fast and even brutal at times. I like my TV loud, my beer cold and my prog a little more softie. This being said, these young pups are nothing short of masters at what they do. I mean they are REALLY good. They swift with ease from Muse to Experimental Jazz to growls to majestic soars of angelic themes.

Where will the technical craze plummet? How good can you get in a lifespan? 'Cuz if you want to top these guys you will have to work harder than Hercules toiling with his 12 Tasks!!

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by Kempokid
Collaborator Prog Metal Team

2 stars When I originally listened to this album years ago, I absolutely loved it, it sounds like BTBAM but with a more melodic, dramatic focus, with just as many genre changes as albums such as Colors. As time has gone on however, the appeal of creating an album that attempts to do everything has become less and less appealing, and the actual compositions are what I find to be the most important aspects. Unfortunately, this is ultimately where Quiet World falls short, with many of the tracks either feeling bland, or being so ridiculously dramatic that they end up sounding pretty stupid, like a bad Disney song. All the elements of BTBAM can be ofund here, but I personally find that none of it is executed anywhere near as well.

The album starts off with one of its best songs, Mute, one of the 2 songs that I can wholeheartedly enjoy, in this case it's due to the wonderful energy put behind it, being able to effectively blend heavier elements, such as the intense drumming, with a vocal melody strongly reminiscient of Queen, before further settling down into a cool, jazzy section. Overall this song just has a good structure, being on the softer side, but knowing when to become more intense, even though it can feel a bit cheesy and dull during the middle section, there's enough here to be somewhat enjoyable. The Spark of the Archon has been a song that I could never enjoy, I just feel as if nothing about it really stands out, the melodies being incredibly mundane, the vocal patterns being impossible to remember, being really off sounding, even the climactic chorus is a borefest. At least with most of the other tracks here, there was an element of fun or entertaining dramatic parts, but this one just has nothing going for it at all. Passage is definitely a better song, more effectively using the quirky elements of their music style, and having some incredibly fun vocals throughout, although I think that the song also sounds somewhat empty in other parts. Despite this, the song has a really fun sax solo as well, so it's got some merit for sure, along with the more coherent and memorable nature of it, despite the fact that it feels lacking in any kind of real impact, more like an exercise in genre cramming. Your Familiar Face is a fairly simple, yet infectious song that takes on an almost solely big band/jazz sound, only occasionally deviating from this. The one moment here that I do truly love is when everything becomes a bit darker sounding and the vocals begin to sound quite similar to Mike Patton, albeit without the insane vocal range to accompany it. Come Hell Or High Water is the other song that I do find highly enjoyable, containing an incredible melody, sounding like a twisted waltz as we're exploring the mind of the main character of this concept album. This actually reminds me a lot of The Dear Hunter, just with some death metal growls at times, although they sound ok here, unlike the other times they're implemented where it just all feels incredibly unnecessary. The one moment of this song that I cannot stand is where Robert Edens begins singing comically high at what seems like the emotional climax of the song, removing all impact and tone that was being set up and completely derailing everything, I still like this song though, despite this egregious part. Here's where the album just all of a sudden takes a massive nosedive, despite already being a mixed bag at best beforehand, as while Chromatic Lights is a nice little interlude, the 12 minute epic, Chromatic Aberration is a complete mess. While I find it cool how the band attempts to use the music to guide the story along more than lyrics, the song just meanders so much, drifting through so many uninteresting transitions into more parts of the song that just don't work. It has the same issues as Spark Of The Archon, except 20X worse, especially given the fact that this includes so many elements of metalcore that just fall flat. The worst part of this is how heavily the outro relies on these heavier sections that just straight up suck, making everything end not with a bang, but a whimper.

While Quiet World occasionally reveals some charm and decently written musical passages, I find this album to largely not connect with me, most dramatic moments sounding very artificial and flat most of the time, and many attempts at experimentation feeling hackneyed, it's not as interesting or original as one may think to be changing tone every 20 seconds, and there are many bands that do this infinitely better, such as Between The Buied and Me, Mr Bungle and Unexpect. This album just fails to do much other than bore me, although I can't quite rate it 1 star, as there are a couple of songs, or at least parts of them, which have a lot of potential and that I really enjoy, but in any case, I'm not a fan of most of this.

Best songs: Mute, Come Hell or High Water

Weakest songs: The Spark of the Archon, Chromatic Aberration

Verdict: Despite trying to be interesting and fun, the majority of Quiet World does neither of these things to any kind of effect, taking the virtuosity and often quirky nature of prog, but forgetting to include the most vital aspect, good songwriting. There are a couple of decent songs here, but the album is nothing special.

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

2 stars I'll be short here, quoating someone who describing the music, album Quiet world of american band Native Construct in the best way possible:

"Producer: What genre's your album?

Band: All of them

Producer: Sold, anything else?

Band: Yeah, we also made a disney movie

Producer: you guys are the hottest band in the progressive movement, keep it up!"

In the end sorry for other reviewers but for me two stars is the best I can give, maybe 2.5 in places. I simply can't find anything captivating here and above all, most of the reviewers are in ave when hearing this album, not for me at all, to much everything and nothing at all in the end.

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by Luqueasaur

4 stars Jazz, metal, emotion... and meticulously crafted structures: 8.5/10

QUIET WORLD ranks among the finest records released in 2015 and as one of the best debuts in metal. Coming at a frenzied speed, NATIVE CONSTRUCT's complex structures mixed with jazzy influences blasts like a refreshing gale against the technical but ultimately soulless metal scene.

They're no short in math metal, but the distinctive prominence given to melodies - orchestral and symphonic at times - and calmer sounds (such as Mute's light jazz midsection) brings a unique flavor that tastes sweet like some weird exotic honey.

NATIVE CONSTRUCT builds precise and never exaggerated technical structures always with meaning and emotion; the latter overflowing: be it on the melodies, or on Edens' soulful clear vocal performance. In fact, I have issues with modern metal vocalists - I'm really picky - but, happily, Edens was able to be pleasant. Also, don't be fooled - the bands DO feature a lot of drums and keyboards and synthesizers, even though that's not on the album's description.

Another quality I perceived in QUIET WORLD is its cheerfulness. The album features upbeat, life-loving songs. Perhaps the more ominous sounding track is Come Hell or High Water with the twisted circus atmosphere and aggressive guitar distortion - and even darkened vocals - but that's an exception.

Very few times I have been this hyped on that amount of excellence in a debut. Highly promising, (I'm) highly hyped, and highly recommended, for both metallers and rockers, djent aficionados or melody-lovers.

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by Progrussia

4 stars At first I thought this was going to be another youthful attempt to over-Dream Theater the Dream Theater (band members hail from the same Berklee musical school). But no. This is far more crazier, with the band hopping in a blink of an eye from death metal blast-beats, set to a symphonic background, no less, to Queen-like harmonized lush hard rock and some sort of a deranged Broadway musical theater and everything in between. This approach perhaps befits the concept of the album, which is about a boy who is not only an invalid, but evidently deranged as well. There is order underneath the chaos, however, with the transitions (except the death metal parts) done much better than Between the Buried and Me (another lets-cram-our-songs US metal band), for example. All in all, you could say that this young band approaches Haken in talent, but they still need to learn that less is worth more sometimes.
 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by BrufordFreak
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars Impressive avant prog metal vaudeville from Berklee College of Music students. (One can watch YouTube videos of the boys playing/recording their tracks from their dormrooms!)

1. "Mute" (6:21) opens just like a Devy Townsend piece--something from one of his more comedic entertainment classics like Ziltoid--but then at 1:35 the more theatric, QUEEN-cabaret-like stuff begins--some of Myles Yang's guitar sound choices even sound like a modern Brian May playing some of the guitar parts. At 2:58 vocalist Robert Edens launches into a very engaging multi-track vocal "chant"-like passage which is joined by a gradually ever-expanding field of jazzy orchestral instruments. By the end of the fifth minute the music has blossomed into a kind of Golden Age of Broadway 1950s grandiosity but then at 5:15 growl vocals, metal machine gun bass drumming and multiple electric guitars (some of which still sound Brian May-ish) explode into the track to finish the song with some modern youthful force. Very interesting and often amazing song. A top three song for me. (9.25/10)

2. "The Spark Of The Archon" (8:50) more retro-prog metal schmaltz. The combination of stop-and-go, quick-changing heavy metal structure and sound with classic jazz and Broadway melody making and stylings is quite unusual and remarkable; there are very few artists that come to mind when trying to compare this music-making style (one of which is Devin Townsend). This song does not have so much variation as the opener but continues to carve out quite an unique path for itself--especially with its melodramatic final minute. It is also filled with occasional moments of breathtaking genius, beauty, and emotion. (17.75/20)

3. "Passage" (8:07) toy piano and bassoon open this before oboe (and, later, bowed double bass) joins in to form a weave that sounds more Present/Univers Zero. After 90 seconds of this introductory overture, vocalist Robert Edens joins in, singing in a style more befitting the 1920s or 1930s. But then, around 2:05 the big band music expands with some (more) Brian May like guitar and militaristic drumming with the keyboard orchestration before crescendoing in some more metallic bursts. The music settles back into a most unusual jazz-metal sound palette as the vocalist and other instruments trade solos--until, that is, a harp bridge at 5:05 into a (13.5/15)

4. "Your Familiar Face" (4:11) A more poppy, QUEEN-like song, only, with all of the sharp edges, twists and turns of more modern metal music. I just love the multi-track vocal chanting that the band uses over the European jazzy soundscapes. My favorite song on the album. (9.25/10)

5. "Come Hell Or High Water" (5:54) a rapid-fire, twisting and turning metal song that reminds me of the stylings and humor of MR. BUNGLE and HUMBLE GRUMBLE. Man! Myles sure loves that Brian May sound! (8.875/10)

6. "Chromatic Lights" (2:14) bass and two guitars weaving ostinato melodies like a classical chamber trio. Is the crackling in the sound an attempt to throw back to the recorded music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli? (4.3333/5)

7. "Chromatic Aberration" (12:28) quite a suite! Opening with the melody lines of the previous song, only rendered unto keyboard, the song travels on a what feels like a hero's quest journey: encountering and surmounting many obstacles as one would working one's way through a video game. This could very well be the soundtrack to the "mind game" that Andrew Wiggin is subjected to on his laptop during his "down time" at the Battle School training program in both the book and film of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game--the one in which he has to pass/defeat the giant and then the Formic queen protecting her egg. (22.25/25)

Total Time 48:05

The question is: Are these guys joking or will we hear more (and better) stuff like this from them in the future? The quirky changes and total mood shifts mid song--multiple times--makes one wonder what the goals/aims of these shifts are? It's almost as if multiple personalities are each given their turn at presenting the song's message. Interesting but often a bit jarring, unsettling (though never so much as in an UneXpect song). The overriding sentiment is, however, that this album's music is certainly memorable.

After years of living with this album, revisiting it several times (and feeling haunted by its very memorable and unique music), I've come to the conclusion that there is the music is steeped in some deep and complexly varied musical histories coming from each of its creators: a lot of knowledge of classical, Broadway/stage, ethnic, and, of course, metal traditions was necessary to create this very mature and complex (and theatric) music. Mega kudos to Robert, Max, and Myles, wherever you are. I think you created with your college dormroom album some kind of feat of wonder--perhaps even a masterpiece; one for the ages.

BTW: bassist Max Harchick is AMAZING!

91.01 on the Fishscales = A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of intricately nuanced theatric prog metal; highly recommended for all prog lover's--an experience you will not soon forget.

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by superuio

5 stars Blending of many musical styles with ease, excellent musicianship and composition, and a awesome musical AND lyrical concept make Quiet World a exceptional masterpiece. Influences from Between the Buried and Me, Haken, Queen, and classical music mix together to form something original and outstanding. The vocal and guitar lines lead the way through complicated time signatures and layered orchestra with amazing persision and range. The concept, which is a love story, is molded with the music very well. The tender moments in the lyrics match the music perfectly, and so does the angry or bombastic moments. If I had to nitpick, Your Familiar Face and Chromatic Lights aren't as impressive as the longer prog epics that surround them, but they aren't filler. Your Familiar Face gives a nice laid back, poppier break from the complicated masterworks like Passage or The Spark of the Archon. The 2 minute Chromatic Lights brings back several themes, shows off great guitar skill, and introduces the behemoth 12 minute Chromatic Aberration nicely.

My favorite song has to be Chromatic Aberration, the longest song and last song on the album that brings together all the musical inspirations introduced and adds in a little Haken-y quirkyness. It is perfectly built and performed, and the two part ending, both the blistering metal section and the beautiful melodic part, is just exilirating.

If you are a fan of metal, symphonic prog, or just excellently written songs give this a listen.

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by crashandridemusic

5 stars I found out about this band after having their newest album recommended to me. These metalheads have one impressive resume, which includes attendance at Berklee College of Music and signing to the major record label Metal Blade Records. It took just one listen to their debut album 'Quiet World' for them to hook me. I have literally been playing this record every day since, and I feel you all should follow my lead.

Students Myles Yang, Robert Edens, and Max Harchik started Native Construct back in 2011 without knowing how their little jam band would impact the progressive music scene. Considering their extensive knowledge in music theory, all three have contributed an array of musical styles, ranging from traditional metal, to jazz, classical and musical theater. Their album 'Quiet World' is the epitome of a self-produced album, with the majority of writing, rehearsing, recording, and producing taking place during their busy school schedule. With the amazing quality of this album, it is hard for me to imagine devoting so much time and effort into a hobby, and to see such a successful result. I applaud these three for this alone, considering the energy and devotion needed to make this work.

The album itself follows an interesting concept, a fantasy that is relatable to all the social outcasts out there. With a large backstory and an even more complex plot throughout the album, I will not attempt to explain the story here, but will say it's an album of unrequited love, anger, isolation, schizophrenia, and conflict. The greatest part about this concept is despite its density, the story is actually fairly easy to follow, making the listening experience even more enjoyable. I love the use of clean and dirty vocals, along with sound manipulation over certain vocal sections to convey the tone of each scene. The vocal delivery is perfect, coming across with the same power as a physical scene in a Broadway play. The theatrics of 'Quiet World' may repel some listeners with its melodramatic display, but acts as an opportunity for these three undeniably talented musicians to thrive.

Listening to 'Quiet World,' the listener can appreciate the musical understanding of the band within the opening minutes. Native Construct uses complicated guitar and drum arrangements, drastic time signature changes, and numerous additional instruments on top of what's standard, much like Between the Buried and Me's 'The Parallax II.' With each song and section within, the transitions are seamless, each note as important as the last, and as meaningful as every other note in the album. I was often thrown off by the presence of violins, flutes, synthesizers, saxophones (was that an electric saxophone in 'Passage'?) and numerous others, instruments I wish to hear more of in progressive metal albums. The use of 8-string electric guitars are felt with the booming low chords and wailing solos, reminiscent of songs by Animals as Leaders. I also love the heavy presence of music box-sounding tones, which is evidenced on the album cover. It is used mainly as transitions between songs, but also adds a creepy atmosphere, especially in the intro of the song 'Passage.' I didn't know music boxes hit minor notes, or at least I've never heard one as sinister sounding as the one on 'Quiet World.' (Children beware; there's no ballerina inside this music box.) The album title is ironic, considering the abundance of sound that emits from it. Reading this section makes the album sound absolutely chaotic, but what's chaotic is how well it works!

As for the individual songs themselves, each serve themselves and the greater purpose of providing memorable progressive music. I've gone for days humming instrumental sections and passionate vocal choruses, only to have them replaced with different sections on the same album days later. Let's just say my house hasn't been a 'quiet world' for some time. Some of my favorite moments include the aforementioned saxophone solo in 'Passage,' the manipulated vocals in 'Your Familiar Face,' the juxtaposition of heavy chords and the acoustic guitar/violin duet in 'Come Hell Or High Water,' and the funk bass lines halfway through the epic closer 'Chromatic Aberration.' There are plenty more unique and interesting moments in 'Quiet World,' and I'd love to hear your favorites as well.

'Quiet World' is a masterpiece, at least in my book. With so little to criticize, I believe Native Construct must be heard by fans of progressive rock and metal.

Taken from Crash And Ride Music

 Quiet World by NATIVE CONSTRUCT album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.72 | 258 ratings

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Quiet World
Native Construct Progressive Metal

Review by PuzzleSolver

5 stars First album in times that i come across that is really new and progressive. It seems to mix Prog metal with Jazz, using Queen like guitar styles and Muse like symphony and drama. I like a lot of prog music from the old Yes (Soundchaser is one of my favorite) to Genesis (supper 's ready favorite), Marillion (Script for a ..) and the more recent works of Anglagard, IQ, Dream theater and Symphony X. This music sets a new genre on it's own, Jazz Metal maybe? I'm not a real Jazz fan, but the style of this music is good. I've listened to 13 times this week and it keeps intriguing me.
Thanks to aapatsos for the artist addition.

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