Amplifiers - The Inevitability of Disillusionment 

Diving In

Amplifiers is:
Paul Campbell - Drums
Jon Miller - Guitar/Keys
Josh Emery - Guitar
Si Lewis - Bass VI/Guitar/Keys/Vocals

Amplifiers are a 4 piece band from Pittsburgh, PA that formed in 2007 and have been releasing music since 2010 with their first full length album 'Everything Obsolete' in 2013. After an extremely long hiatus, they are returning this month with their second full length album 'The Inevitability of Disillusionment'. Amplifiers have a sound that is hard to define, you have to hear it in order to take it all in. It's heavy, melodic, gut wrenching, and masterfully orchestrated. Every sound that you hear or don't hear is completely intentional, as Amplifiers pull you into their stratosphere of sounds. I have been lucky enough to see them live and can attest to their gravitational pull through sounds, lighting, and pure showmanship. 

Sounds & Croaks

There are some bands out there who are beneficiaries of slick production, laptops, and heavy handed producers. Amplifiers aren't one of these bands, they don't need it! I noticed early on into my most recent listen of 'The Inevitability of Disillusionment' that this album is very much a 'what you see is what you get' formula. It's raw, and sonically unapologetic. There are some synthetic sounds to set tones, or provide atmospheric landscapes, sure, but it doesn't rely on them to carry the tracks, it's the other way around. From the initial note of "All That Is, Never Was" you understand that Amplifiers aren't here to create songs or produce singles, they are here to create an atmosphere that pulls you in and allows you to be a part of the larger experience. There is a methodical approach to each track, each interlude that's like a giant beacon of light in a sea of dark. You can't look away nor contain your desire to move toward it, it's intoxicating.

"The Fragile One" gives us a taste of what's to come with a memorizing 1-2 punch of blasting drums and thick guitars. The instrumental back half of this track provides goosebump worthy rhythm that is impossible not to bang your head to. "Descent" is worth highlighting as well, specifically for the entire vocal delivery. The chorus is bound to stick in your head as Si sings with his entire soul on his sleeve. The soul crushing lyrics of "Secrets; And the Weight That They Carry" are certain to strike a personal chord with anyone:

"Return to me I beg you, please. And I'll never let you go."

"Remembrance" is the pinnacle of the album. If there was one track I had to point someone to that defines Amplifiers, it's this one. It's expertly crafted, providing the listener with a slow build up, crunchy guitars, and emotionally deep lyrics that anyone can connect with. It's infectious and I often hear it echoing through my brain. "Malcontent" continue to pull at the threads of the vulnerable state "Remembrance" leaves you in. "Nine Thousand Dreams" broadcasts that the album is changing gears and that we're heading for the final act of the album. "Disillusionment: To Acquiesce" carries an emotional finality with it and sends you off with a combination of radiant vocals/lyrics, crunchy guitars, synths, and intensely timed drums. A perfect end to the journey. 

An observation about the 'The Inevitability of Disillusionment' bears mentioning. This is an "albumatic experience" (copyright pending) meaning the casual musical listener may not have the same experience and will find the album difficult to consume. For example, The Fragile by Nine Inch Nails (my favorite album of all time) is "guilty" of the same thing, which in my world is a positive. This album is similar in terms of the experience and respect it deserves. This is my long winded way of saying this album needs to be listened to in its entirety. From my seat, this is an incredible feat and a rarity but understand where music is at right now. Spotify and singles are king amongst the 'I want it now" crowd and full albums can get lost in the shuffle, which is a travesty. Don't sleep on this album!

Look, if Amplifiers don't leave you in a pensive, emotionally charged state at the conclusion of 'The Inevitability of Disillusionment', I would urge you to disconnect from the digital world and take another listen and allow the emotional subject matter, the cinematic ups and downs, and musical complexity to wash over you. 

The Wax Factor

No wax for this release (yet *fingers crossed*) but I was able to utilize my hardcopy CD for this review that I picked up from the band back in 2025. I recently learned this is one of fifty that were made and am over the moon that I have one!

Standout Pond Picks & Track list

1. All That Is, Never Was
2. Fragile One
3. Descent
4. Secrets, and the Weight That They Carry
5. Needle
6. We're Lost, We're Gone
7. Remembrance
8. Malcontent
9. Nine Thousand Dreams
10. Disillusionment: To Acquiesce 
    
    
    

    The Inevitability of Disillusionment will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as bandcamp on September 18th.

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