Labels: The Static Cult
Review by: Oli Saunders
It’s been 5 years since Giant Chemical but Robin Reines has finally made a follow up. Elements of the debut can still be heard here, particularly on tracks such as ‘Now And Then’, but, believe it or not, the music seems to have slowed down a bit. Robin’s unique vocals ring out in an utterly haunting fashion over some of the saddest riffs that are possible to conquer. If you like bands such as Codeine, Duster and, from more recent times, Mars To Stay, then you should be all over this. ‘Increase Your Risk’ is the pick of the bunch, a two minute slow buildup gives way to a short period of vocals before it gets heavy and fuzzy and then concludes with a short melodic finale. I could see it appearing at the end of a really sad film, the audience still sat in their seats, somewhat stunned by what they’ve just seen, watching the credits roll with this playing behind.
Overall, the album seems a bit more uneven than Giant Chemical, and with less tracks that blow me away in all honesty, but it remains another fantastic effort. Keep a look out for their upcoming split 7” with The Scarecrow Freqeuncy.
2nd July 2012