Building on from To Blacken the Pages’ relentless creative output, ‘NORTH’ sees the band step forward in a major way – significantly progressing the development of their sound. NORTH is TBTP’s most ferocious work to date, focusing on the dynamics of pure guitar overdriven sounds, while also witnessing a greater space and dynamic in the work. ‘Give to the sea’ sees McAree singing for the first time on a TBTP release, relaying a tender fear of the ocean, while backed up by a furious and ever rising swell of guitars. 'To be Dead', the title inspired by a Patrick Kavanagh poem, sees a deep drum machine and crushing bass knock out a deep pulse in the background while the guitars lock head to head in a 15 minute exploration of screaming harmonics, while 'I am screes on her escarpments' features a title borrowed from another Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. 'Night Drive' begins the ride out on this intense record, slowing the pace down but never once letting go of the ferocity within. Locked within this cacophony of noise is a beauty and tenderness which at once compliments and negates the other. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.