After two years of silence, Manchester’s enigmatic cyberpunks Overrider have shattered their hiatus with Sparse Vector, an album that intensifies their signature fusion of electronic shoegaze and fierce guitar-driven soundscapes. The release marks an evolution from their 2021 EP kill -9 yr idols, leaning further into their confrontational edge while experimenting with more guitar-centric compositions.
Sparse Vector opens with the distorted onslaught of “Tokyo 3,” a track that sets an unrelenting tone. Each song builds a world of chaos and defiance: “Redeye” closes with an explosive riff reminiscent of grand stadium rock, while “Black Wings” toys with dissonance. The technical showcase “Khallos” merges mathcore intricacy with shoegaze’s expansive textures, and “Fracture” pummels with its drop-tuned, grinding riffs. The album closer “Shattered” captures the breadth of Overrider’s sound, from dizzying electronic rock to post-metal crescendos, ending on their heaviest and most resolute note yet.
Central to this sonic barrage is drummer John Simm, whose innovative and varied percussion underpins much of the album’s energy. His early-stage contributions inject unpredictability into tracks, ranging from primitive beats to complex rhythms that challenge expectations. The duo’s approach shifts away from found sounds and keys, embracing a raw, two-piece band essence that enhances the album’s confrontational spirit.
Sparse Vector explores themes of betrayal, mortality, and the cyclical nature of power. The inclusion of a clip from McKenzie Wark in “Redeye” underscores their broader commentary on societal disillusionment. Yet, despite the dark overtones, Overrider achieves a balancing act with moments of defiance and bittersweet resolve, making Sparse Vector a powerful statement and an exciting return.
