Under the Surface "Inamorata" CD
[Ministry of Fire]
I didn't know what to expect from this at all, and it's hard to pin down, which is nice. I guess you could definitely call it some form of post-hardcore, as such influences are definitely at work. And then there are also some shouting vocals and heavier rhythms that have a metalcore edge, but it's not metalcore by any means. Most of the vocals are sung, and the music largely revolves around rhythmic grooves and textures with a good level of melody and the occasional rocked out flare. In many ways it's hard hitting indie rock, but that brings in too many emo associations that just don't apply here. There definitely aren't many bands out there that sound like this, and that's definitely a positive working in this band's favor. Now, that's not to say there aren't problems here, because there are. "Jennifer Love/Hate", the shortest and possibly most up-tempo track, is also the worst song herein. It's just somehow irritating and poorly written. In fact, most of these songs suffer from writing problems. I don't feel like the band focuses on their strengths. The singing is pretty unique, but the music is often too thick and rhythmic for the singing style to really mesh well, and the heavier or quirkier riffing just isn't as cool as the base of core rhythm and subtle noisiness/discordance in the chords. The songs often cram too many changes into a few minutes without following a linear structure that would better suit the band's talents. I also find the recording to be problematic. It's a unique situation because the recording really isn't that bad at all, but something about it still holds the band back a good deal. I think the biggest problems are a lack of overall brightness and a sense of separation in the mix. The vocals often feel off to the side of the instruments, drawing unnecessary attention to the weaker aspects of the singing. There's also just a lot of thick midrange here, leaving things a little flat and uninteresting. It's clear, but it's not popping out or anything. I also think there's a subtle tuning issue between the guitars and the bass, which gives a lot of the songs (especially "Submission") an almost constant sense of annoying dissonance where one instrument is a hair out of tune with the others. The layout is simple and effective with some interesting photography and clean text. The inner spread is entirely text, containing all of the lyrics packed onto two panels. The lyrics are all personal and pretty bitter, not really my thing as far as how they're handled though (granted for this style they are more creative than usual): "Send mother my regards from the cool concrete of ascension street, Where sometimes you meet walls head on ad watch 'em fall apart, I'm up for playing bastard, 'Cause that's what it's all about right?" I don't know, this band could do a shitload better than this, of that I'm certain. This really isn't a bad EP, it's just a little lifeless. Kicking the songwriting up a notch or two would make an immense difference. (5/10)
Running time - 22:25, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: Two Frequencies]
Ministry of Fire Recordings - call_me_animal@hotmail.com

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