Review of Fire Toolz’s ‘Lavender Networks’ Album

The music world is vast and varied, offering a plethora of genres and styles for listeners to explore. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of guilty pleasures or what is considered cool, but Chicago’s Fire-Toolz challenges these notions with their captivating soundscapes found in the album, Lavender Networks. This project, led by the multitalented Angel Marcloid, defies categorization by blending together elements of icy synthwave, brutal metalcore, virtuosic prog, and skeletal New Age to create a unique and mesmerizing listening experience.

With over fourteen albums and EPs under their belt, Fire-Toolz showcases a fearless approach to music that treats every tone as sacred. Marcloid’s philosophy on music is refreshing, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and humility over conforming to trends or perceptions of coolness. She eloquently expresses the joy of finding beauty in unexpected places, from Christopher Cross to Rush, and how true coolness stems from an authentic and self-aware embrace of one’s tastes and influences.

Lavender Networks, Fire-Toolz’s debut on the esteemed experimental label Warp, is a testament to Marcloid’s ability to create sonic landscapes that defy expectations. The album is a kaleidoscope of sounds, blending harsh vocals with delicate whispers, distorted riffs with flute-like synths, and electro-metal drums with gooey electronics. Each track is a journey in itself, with unexpected twists and turns that keep listeners on their toes.

Collaborations with artists like Brothertiger, Zola Jesus, and Nailah Hunter add layers of depth to the album, creating a rich tapestry of sonic exploration. Marcloid’s willingness to push boundaries and follow her musical instincts is evident throughout Lavender Networks, as she seamlessly weaves together electronic and acoustic elements, organic and synthetic textures, and soothing melodies with jarring dissonance.

While Fire-Toolz’s music may seem unconventional to some, it is rooted in a deep sense of musical exploration and experimentation. Tracks like “Kiss The Bladed Cat, Find Ways To Stretch Time” and “The Ocean Gratitude Cylinder Peace Necklace Lemonade Flying Free” showcase Marcloid’s ability to blend genres and styles with ease, resulting in a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

As the album draws to a close with the ethereal “Dear Robin Bears & Love Cloud ’24,” it becomes clear that Lavender Networks is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a sonic journey that transcends traditional boundaries of genre and classification. Marcloid’s ability to create music that defies easy categorization is a testament to her artistic vision and commitment to exploring new and uncharted musical territories.

In a world where genre distinctions can often feel limiting or arbitrary, Fire-Toolz’s Lavender Networks is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that music is about more than just labels or classifications. It’s a celebration of creativity, expression, and the boundless possibilities that come from embracing the unexpected.