Labels: self released
Review by: Joe Callaghan
What is it with keys in punk rock nowadays? Why? I was so close to being mightily impressed with this 5-tracker, but far too often, the god-horrible synth is way more prominent than it should be. Non-existent is what it should be. I’m not saying keys and synthesizers should always be non-existent, but when it sounds like credible indie rock being drowned out by computer game music, it get’s a little off-putting. Where The Land Meets The Sea do almost everything right. The boy/girl vocals are heavily reminiscent of Fifth Hour Hero. However, the brooding, twangy guitar and disjointed rhythm section gives this more of a choppy indie-rock feel compared to your usual No Idea earthy punk rock. But there’s a synth. A corny, over-the-top 80’s sounding synth, almost as if they were playing punk rock cover versions of Toto songs. It just stands out a mile and makes this record almost unbearable, despite how good everything but the synth sounds. The vocals cut through the mix unmistakably, with a very strong, distinct female vocal, boasting the most sincere of vocal melodies throughout. Each song is cut to ribbons, as they work through quick varying parts and build ups, disregarding any conventional method of song writing. But there’s a synth, and it’s just horrible. A synth! Why a synth? Giving this lot a synth is the equivalent of giving Rites Of Spring a Pipe Organ. Just a complete mismatch of tones. I really want to like this. It’s been a long time I’ve heard this ilk fronted by female vocals that didn’t sound piss-weak. Her voice is razor sharp, and the harmonies are an absolute delight, but they ruin it with a synth. A great big bastard synth. After 4 listens, it’s something I can’t get past, and whilst I’ve tried to let it tune out, and kid myself it’s not there, it is there. It’s there all the time. It never stops. I guess if you’re a little less of a horrible, picky pain in the arse like me, you might be able to look past the keys, but I just really can’t, and it’s massively disappointing. A great band with startling potential, ruined by what sounds like a Commodore 64 glam rock composition.