Coming of Your Own Age – Scientia (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Grooving through the murky realms where the heavier genres converge, Scientia emerges as a sonic force that blurs lines, tramples barriers and kicks down barricades between several heavier-than-thou genres. Picture grunge’s swampiness merging with punk’s directness, a point where a more abrasive metal sound wrestles with hard rock—an audacious balancing act that finds its resonance in the band’s latest offering, “Coming of Your Own Age.”

In a world where genres collide, Scientia’s concoction is a potent blend of blunt trauma melodicism and the raw immediacy reminiscent of old-school punk and songs such as “Aculine” harkens back to my days crowded into sweaty basements watching bands such as Stiff Little Fingers. But they also make unexpected detours into garage rock grooves, as witnessed in the unpredictable “Neon Jungle,” a song that meanders through almost balladic interludes, though ones filtered through low-slung gritty riffs, heavy grooves, and an abrasive sonic texture.

The titular track exudes a slight classic rock aura. Yet, it is one constructed on a foundation of prowling, predatory vibes and lyrics that feel like the band has unearthed ancient wisdom, setting it free through their music. “Blame It On The Man” is a storm of squalling metal riffs propelled by thunderous drums, while “You Can’t Be” stands as a relentless, brooding, and bombastic opus.

Critics might be quick to label music in these heavier realms as lacking finesse and sophistication, but that’s a shortsighted dismissal. The finesse of such music lies in its ability to splice groove with grit, power with poise, and melody with muscle. Here, Scientia masterfully navigates the sonic landscape, never losing sight of that melody, even if it is buried under the rock of ages and the weight of a lifetime. this is the deft and dirty dance that defines the essence of “Coming of Your Own Age.”