The 90’s are looked back on fondly by many alternative rock fans. The way the genre diversified was impressive and led to a huge catalog of music from bands all trying to rock their way to the top. During this era, grunge was on top of the world with acts such as the iconic Nirvana changing the game for bands everywhere. “Figures On Demand,” 3rd album from heavy alt-rock outfit The Ladderman channels this essence to create an inspired listening experience that speaks to those yearning for the days of thay garage rock feel.
The twisted, descending guitars in “Sidestepping” feel like the ultimate plunge when backed by smashing drums and a sludgy bass. The powerful but smooth vocals are slicker than grease as they hit the track, effortlessly moving into the flow of the instrumentals. The track has an undeniable groove to it that will have you swaying to it, with creative guitar licks and memorable riffs. The pace slows around the 3 minute mark to slow things down and let the vocals take center stage before amping it all up again in another minute. “Sidestepping” channels the spirit of grunge well, with a deep bass and sludgy, distorted guitars against an airy lead guitar that gives the track its distinct personality. When combined with an equally powerful vocal performance, “Sidestepping” takes the album into overdrive from the second track and never stops moving.
“Frame This” has the guitar set up a trippy aesthetic with groovy riffs that entice the ears. Backed by drums that keep the pulse of the track up while also giving “Frame This” a sense of forward momentum. When the distortion takes over and pushes the track into overdrive with hard-rockin’ guitars that push the track over the edge, it makes every chorus an opportunity to headbang. Around the 3 minute mark, the attitude changes and while the track leans into the heavier sound, the lead guitar takes a decidedly trippier aesthetic that you’ll need to fight with to not get lost in. “Frame This” rocks hard with its inspired sounds and head-banging riffs.
“Tired State” is the final track on the album. The heavy synths dance with the guitars for a few moments before the track breaks into its cinematic synth-rock style anthem aesthetic. After this intro, the track mellows out a bit and lets the lead and backup vocals take the reins while the instrumentals keep the momentum rolling. The drums stand out in “Tired State,” giving the track a sense of gravity and backing up the bass to make its low reaches carry the same type of weight. Lyrically, this track stands out above the others as well, with lyrics that hit hard such as “come close, reveal those who try and steer you” and the chorus give the track an even more memorable personality. With an awesome guitar solo that gives the track a trippy aesthetic, “Tired State” feels like the perfect way to end the album.
“Figures On Demand” feels like a blast from the past at times. The album perfectly captures the grunge aesthetic from the top with tracks such as “Sidestepping,” making anyone nostalgic for the sound instantly satisfied. Beyond that, however, is an inspired rock album that never pulls its punches. Both “Frame This” and the final track “Tired State” stand out with their groove rock edges and trippy vibes. When it all comes together, “Figures On Demand” is a surprisingly powerful listen that any rock fan could get into.
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