The Romance Morgue "The Demo Days" CD
[Alone Records]
Here's some uniquely off kilter metalcore with an indie rock/post-hardcore sort of feel going on in the midst of it all. There are some riffs that are undeniably metal, there's definitely some total rock, there are some melodic passages or jangly/sloppy chords, plenty of dissonance rears its head, and the vocals are sort of high-pitched screams/yells with a different sort of sound that would usually accompany this style. This is a lot better than I had expected it might be. I really like the fluid diversity of the writing, there's a great sense of manic energy, etc. I mean, just check out the contrast of the chugging chord progressions and chaotic dissonance in "Just Another Pissing English" versus the calm clean breaks and melody of "There's a Riot at the Alleycat". And "Cold Drinks & Cold Shoulders" is just an all around mishmash of everything under the sun, from technical guitar runs and insane drum fills, to oddly rocked out hooks and electronics. The production isn't half bad either. The drums are natural and warm, the vocals are mixed dead in the center with the instruments, there's a great deal of clarity, and so on. I'd like to hear more bass in there, but it's not a really significant problem. I really like the layout on this one. The color scheme and text are consistent (even the CD tray is opaque red), the images and textures overlap nicely, it's got a dirty/collaged look that really works out well, and most of all it catches the eye quite a bit and really draws you in at certain points. Great work. No lyrics are included, just some brief recording information and that sort of thing. I don't know what the deal is with this release as far as whether or not this is actually a demo pressed on CD or what. If so, this is one fucking good demo. But regardless, if Fugazi, Helmet, Quicksand, Deadguy, At the Drive-In, Botch, and a few other bands thrown in a blender and set on purée sounds like something that might interest you, give this one a spin. (7/10)
Running time - 15:45, Tracks: 5
[Notable tracks: Cold Drinks & Cold Shoulders, Just Another Pissing English]
Alone Records - http://www.alonerecords.com

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