Labels: Dim Mak
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Ah, one of those rare occasions when a Japanese band gets it’s records out onto an American label. 9DW had this album put out for them by Dim-Mak, though it would have been pretty much at home on Snuffy Smile. Style-wise this is similar to Wall with it’s brooding melodies, but with added US influence thrown in. Opening song “Reminder” slides a long wonderfully, with dualing guitars playing off each other and a rumbling bassline keeping things moving a long at a good rate. Vocals are slightly strained and sung in English. And that pretty much sets the pattern for the rest of this CD. Decent, well played songs, just lacking the special spark that makes you play something over and over again.
“Stuck” sticks out with it’s more aggressive, shouty mannerisms, earning them comparisons to Shotmaker, especially with the rolling persistence of the guitars, bass and drumbeat, but for the main they stick to the more melodic tune-age that you’ll hear across the rest of this record. And the driving “Voiceprint” is a standout, particularly with the pretty intro and the wandering bassline that permeates the song.
Ultra solid album, though the world will continue to revolve regardless.