We’re entering an era where bands that were killing it ten or fifteen years ago are making a comeback. One of those bands is Lower Definition, a band that had a fantastic musical run in around 2008 with their album The Greatest of Lost Arts, followed by an EP, The Infinit et Cetera, in 2011. Since then, though, it’s been essentially radio silence with a handful of non-album singles blipping the life support monitor.
In comes The Purpose of the Moon, their first full LP in 18 years. Yes, I wrote that right… 18 years. Leading with the singles God Mode, The Purpose of the Moon, and Abattior, Lower Definition wanted to remind us that they’re still breathing, and those breaths are as strong as ever. What feels like a step back in time, this album is the modern post-hardcore, mall screamo we’ve been looking for – just a little bit more mature.
For those familiar with this band, you’re likely aware that there have been a few lineup changes over the years, including the departure of vocalist Matt Geise. But after a reunion show back in 2020 with the original lineup, they were back to writing a new album, though this didn’t really manifest and left us worried that they were once again going on a break. That was until later last year when they dropped the first single for this album, God Mode, and all hope was restored.
The Purpose of the Moon kicks off with the track Loom, opening with an ethereal guitar melody alongside sweeping, delayed vocals. This changes when it immediately swells into a breakdown-esque post-hardcore riff with a heavy heartbeat of guitars, accompanied by an intricate lead that dances among Geise’s vocals. It’s a sound we’ve come to expect from this band and shows that they’re back with a bang!
What I absolutely love about Lower Definition is Geise’s voice; it’s quintessentially post-hardcore (much like Jonny Craig minus the controversy). Something I was apprehensive about was whether age would change Geise’s delivery or range, but I can safely say he’s on point as he ever was. The only thing noticeable in this album as a whole is the focus on cleans over screaming. While the band aren’t necessarily known for their aggressive vocals, Geise has a solid scream, and I was slightly disappointed that it took up until the track Blackflower to hear it.
One thing that’s apparent with this album is that the band are still masters at being able to blend heavy, punchy post-hardcore riffs and hard-hitting, chaotic drums, with intricate, sweeping leads in a way that isn’t overwhelming. Though compared to their previous record, the vocals do feel a little buried in the mix, but aside from that, the complexities of each song remind me a lot of the mid-00s post-hardcore boom with the likes of Hopesfall and GlassJaw dominating the scene, and I’m absolutely here for it.
The Purpose of the Moon is very-much a classic post-hardcore album without the need to add any flashy over-polished production techniques or electronic/EDM fluff (I’m looking at you, Silverstein). While there’s definitely a place for that kind of thing, I do think it’s been a little overplayed recently, so it’s refreshing to hear something that’s both familiar and different. Speaking of familiar, this album also features a sequel to a track from The Greatest of Lost Arts (Miami Nights II), which is a nice touch.
I will echo what many are saying online: Lower Definition is an underrated post-hardcore band, and they need their praises sung way more than they do. The simple fact that this album has been released independently despite being mixed by Jaime Preciado (of Pierce the Veil) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (known for working with bands like Circa Survive, Hail the Sun, Neck Deep, and Silverstein), is shocking.
Overall, The Purpose of the Moon is what I’ve been looking for in a modern post-hardcore album. It has everything I love from the mid-00s era with a slightly sleeker production value. It’s melodic, it’s heavy, it’s moving, and it has all the ingredients to make it a truly great album. Rarely does a band come back after so many years and is still capable of being on par with their earlier works without having to rely on rose-tinted glasses.
The Purpose of the Moon by Lower Definition is out January 9, 2026
Rating: 9/10