TDOAFS - Albatros - Split - 10

Labels: Dingleberry
Review by: Oli Saunders

Some screamo bands wreck what could be a good music by recording it all wrong, specifically, making it sound too clean and composed. It is meant to be messy music and I wish bands would take time to think about this. I have a feeling TDOAFS (The Discord Of A Forgotten Sketch) have, as this recording is phenomenal. The instruments have a wonderful feel about them but, specifically, it is the vocals that blow me away. Dual, desperate sounding and fresh; whilst there are hints of many other bands, like a more emo harsh Storm The Bastille – The Kodan Armada and Lost in Bazaar also spring to mind – they have managed to create something unique. Hidden quite far in the background, and indecipherable, they are fantastic. ‘The whole world in my hand’ is my favourite but each listen is ten minutes well spent. Actually, it is superb.

Albatros are more in your face and sound like more standard screamo hardcore crossover of late, except they throw in a full brass section. It again brings a uniqueness to them but apart from that and their extreme ferocity I don’t see much of interest here. They remind me a lot of another band but I can’t put my finger on who. It’s okay overall but I’ll stick to the TDOAFS side.

Both bands hail from Québec; I’ve not focused much on this region since ten years ago when Mon Oeil put out some cool records. Worth a purchase just for the TDOAFS side.

17th March 2018