I had no idea what to expect of this oddly packaged demo, but these guys play some fairly cool indie rock type of stuff that's a little thicker and rougher around the edges than most (though always contrasting with lots of clean passages), also experimenting with some quirkier rhythm structures and a few passages that are more droning and experimental. The singing is pretty straightforward with a little bit of a rasp and a slight little natural vibrato to it. Overall these guys have a lot of potential, there are just some issues with the songwriting holding 'em back. The bulk of "Last Sounds", for example, is much calmer and has a great flow, but as it gets more distorted and they introduce some brief lead lines towards the end, the playing gets much sloppier and clashes with the foundation of the composition. "Tomato Man" doesn't break its consistency, so a better recording on the clean guitars could smooth this one over into a nice little song. The recording's good for a demo. The vocals sound pretty good, the rhythm section is really thick and natural, and despite some minor flaws the guitars sound alright (the jangly clean parts are too dry). The main thing that irritates the fuck out me with the guitars is that they use too many stupid effects on the clean parts, and I hate that shit. Just because you have an effects processor doesn't mean you have to use every damn patch in the fuckin' thing on your demo, you know? If it sounds right, use it, and leave it at that. Don't shift through three or four effects within a minute. I absolutely hate that stuff. The guitar playing's also not nearly as tight as the drumming here. The basslines get lost when things liven up, so they ought to be more prominent as well. "Valentine Kill Spree" must be older as the recording is far more raw and distant. The CD-R comes in a white paper sleeve with a cover insert printed in black on matte red stock that has a slight texture to it. All of the imagery is minimal and sort of iconic. It looks okay for the most part. There's not much to go on but it could be much worse. I don't know, there are good elements here, and bad, and neither overtakes, so I'm indifferent about a lot of it. Tighter musicianship and more of a direction to the compositions would help, I can't really tell what they're shooting for. I imagine a lot of influences are at work, so it's just a matter of reaching a comfortable middleground somewhere.
[self-released]
Running time - 24:52, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: Last Sounds, Tomato Man]
North Star Infinite - http://www.northstarinfinite.com
