Labels: self released
Review by: Andy Malcolm
New CD from this UK band, not sure how long they’ve been about – they have a couple of former members of Kneejerk who have been in a combined 54 different bands since the ‘jerk called it a day.
Don’t expect any Kneejerk styled screamy, melodic metal with this one though, they’ve headed off in a whole new direction on the 4 tracks that are strung out across this EP. They seem to be pulling together the styles of the Lapse and the Party of Helicopters into one, making for some extremely toe tapping and catchy riffage that strings you a long whilst Frank shouts or talks by turns. First up is “Come On, Sharon” which positively rocks out and has some distinctively PoH’ish guitar lines (circa the first LP) – rampant yet tuneful and spot on. It also can hit a thumping groove at times. Rather fine.
“The Eddision Address” follows the more Lapse-like path, with bassy grooves and a less frantic structure, though does buid up and get noisy from time to time. “I Want To Get Shot At…” brings back those PoH guitar lines (very difficult to describe if you’ve not heard the ‘copters, but then again if you haven’t, you should be shot!). After that it’s back to some more Chris Leo (or Slint I suppose) worship with wandering guitars and emphasised talky vocals. Yes, it is very good.
Think there is a theme going on – what with song titles “Come On, Sharon” and “I Want to Get Shot at (By an Israeli Gun Squad)” (reminds me of the time I was in a taxi waiting room with my friend Martyn on a very chilly pre-Christmas night at 3am, with BBC News 24 on in the background depicting the latest Israel happenings, Martyn proceeded to state some rather accurate, if not entirely popular opinions rather loudly, and to no-one in particular). Million Dead don’t provide any lyrics though unfortunately.
I am super happy to hear a UK band playing something completely different to everyone else. Right on. Highly recommended.