Labels: Adagio830 – Smoke And Dust
Review by: Oli Saunders
Adorno are one of the best bands around right now and I vow to keep saying this until everyone listens. Modern emo that is a level or two up from most other bands trying to play such things. Previous comparisons with 12XU and Bâton Rouge still stand, though Adorno are much more experimental in their sound, continuously evolving and trying different things with the basic setup that they have. On this split they go for the instrumental post-rock ending; this one is perfect as a final song of a set I’m sure. After they’ve raced through a bunch of other songs, mesmerising the audience with the fantastic melody and vocals, they pull this one out the bag to wind down proceedings. Everyone stands around at the end transfixed about what they just witnessed. Seriously, that’s how good this band is.
I have had some encounters with The Black Heart Rebellion before but have never really taken to them. This happens also for the band’s song on this split; they play one song and appear to have a quite interesting post-rock approach combined with harsh vocals – sort of tribal yelling to begin with which becomes more screamo like later on. It’s pretty unique and I imagine a bunch of people might be into this, but alas it’s not for me.
Finally, as mentioned by everyone trying to sell this record, the packaging is indeed pretty special – it’s nice when a band/label does something different. If you like Adorno already then this is a must. If you haven’t checked them out yet then please, for the love of God, do it for me.
6th April 2011