Norma Jean

No matter how much we condition ourselves to not expect the same sparks to fly when our favorite artists release new albums, there are always exceptions. The magic of listening to the track or album that initially hooked us may be impossible to recreate, but over time, a new kind of appreciation is formed. A lot like a long-term relationship, eventually the whirlwind excitement of finding music that’s new crossfades into a more passive form of devotion — one that stands the test of time and plants its roots deep.

Norma Jean’s latest release, Deathrattle Sing For Me, is locked and loaded with the same energy the band has delivered since their origins, with new weight and maturity that speak to both the band’s past and their future.

The first Norma Jean track I personally heard was “Face: Face,” included in Tooth & Nail’s multi-disc 10th anniversary compilation. But I think what sold me was the music video for “Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste.” Their raw — borderline frenetic — artistry left me wanting more, and I’ve been a fan ever since.

Norma Jean’s sound has always been subversive for music in general, but their newest album is subversive by its own precedence. Somehow, the band served the same level of intensity we all come to expect from NJ, but this time, with more tension and restraint built in. There’s a thoughtful ebb and flow to this body of work that creates an undercurrent of sorrowful vulnerability without going full-on melancholy.

The intricate layers of sound sampling and effects are immersive, yet balanced. From heavy hitters like “Spearmint Revolt” and “Sleep Explosion” to the spacial outliers like “Memorial Hoard,” there’s a complex and purposeful blend of flavors that allow vocals and instruments to each have their moments. The band has also mastered the art of tempo, marrying both slow, building tracks like “Penny Margs” and “A Killing Word” with speedy ragers like “Any%” to create a fully rounded anthology.

Death Rattle Sing for Me hit the refresh button on my Norma Jean fandom in ways I couldn’t have predicted. It’s a somewhat softer, more dynamic side of Norma Jean, but still packs their usual punch. And if there’s anything fans can take away from the latest iteration of their legacy, it’s that these seasoned vets have proven their depth and can only get stronger from here.