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CD Reviews
The Haiku - Man Make Fire EP
review by Eddie Golby
So, here we are. Following the break up of Harvey comes The Haiku, but this is the antidote to the former; full of spite and grit rather than the lustful theme of old. Over the course of the 5 tracks, Phil Cooper snarls his way through various lyrical subjects such as assholes, drink and interfering do-gooders with nods towards Frank Turner’s honest naked guile and Beck’s more serene moments, typified on the inclusion of a kazoo on “From this Chair”. But it’s the more quiet moments that peak this EP, such as penultimate track “Sunshine Follows Rain”, with its lustful and yearning refrain. Though “Man Make Fire” does occasionally become a touch insipid in pace, and the lyrical element often boarders on being uncomfortable at times, the antonym of these negative criticisms is that this EP certainly has character, and is an interesting listen as many ideas are explored, if not all fully convicted. “Man Make Fire” is a bold and eloquent, and though it won’t bowl anyone over with amazement, it is a welcome break from the cliques and conventions that plague music.
Caldera EP
review by Kev Sibley
One of the current crop of new bands on the local scene that are now being tipped for greater things, Devizes’ post rock instrumentalists Caldera’s opening salvo is this four track offering that indeed confirms that they will be a force to be reckoned with. If you’re familiar with bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai & Pelican then you can know what to expect, fragile layer upon layer of melody, time signature changes and crushing guitars are all in evidence and to be honest, it’s refreshing to hear a band from round these here parts doing stuff like this, especially when it’s so good. Watch them soar.
www.myspace.com/calderamusique
The Panic EP
review by Eddie Golby
There is no other way to say it; this is a beast of an EP. Something Hours is a staggering piece of work, and a perfect lead track to kick off 'How to Answer'. Monster riffage is bludgeoned with slabs of art-joy melodies, destruction coupling delicate vocal, and the ideas are complex yet incredibly catchy. The other songs follow the same formula of jaggyness hand-in-hand with stoner riffs, with accomplished mature results. Matt's added vocals are stunning, adding depth and to warrant a better word; elegant.
The Panic's enthusiasm carried them through unscathed. The template of avant-garde eccentricity proceeded by straightforward rock-outs run through 'Clockwork' in a very distinct mood. However, The Panic still 'do' pop, as the glorious 'A Day Late' testifies. This crosses the bridge of impressive local band, to serious UK contender, and opens the door to limitless openings and opportunities. Believe and spread the word; The Panic are ready!
Missiles Of Uncertain Destinations – “There’s No Profit In Peace… So Keep The Missiles Coming”
review by Kev Sibley
This is a sonic equivalent of going seven rounds with Rocky Marciano! Frenzied bursts of sharp as nails guitar combined with extreme punishing drum violence. Add to that (if you will) a larynx shredding vocal assault and you have a recipe for total destruction. There’s no let up in the skirmishes apart from the expletive littered montage at the start of “Day Spent At The Office Photocopying Guns” which is the only pause for breath you’ll get listening to this so use it wisely. Pure class, if totally exhausting.
http:www.myspace.com/lesmissiles
Battlewitch EP Review
review by Eddie Golby
Battlewitch are the ultimate epitome of that Ronsil advert proclaiming that it “does what it says on the tin”; song’s with titles such as “Forsaken Pagan” and “Astral Journey” leave nothing to the imagination, and even the front cover reveal more ideas towards their genre than infinite amount of waffled reviewer blurb could attempt to. Got it yet? Yes, kudos, it is Metal, with a capital M. .
You can almost smell the leather and there is a faint whiff of the awkward stench of unwashed hair. Operatic shrieks and mega riffage dominate proceedings; and Battlewitch are perfectly happy to steer on auto-pilot throughout. To revive the consumer metaphor; Battlewitch are the equivalent of a Ford Escort – reliable, distinctly British, and most at home in the 1980’s. But, admittedly Battlewitch do “what they do” very well. The solos are top notch, the bass and drums are tight as a snatch, and the vocals are suitably over-the-top. Though the production let’s them down, the band sound like they have just stepped off the stage at Castle Donington circa 1980. A drawback of this is that the songs sometimes lack relevance and eloquence; but to fixate onto this is to miss the point, and misinterpret the punch line. Battlewitch are the actors in a leather jacketed, mullet fashionable, twiddling guitar solo play. The script is set to 1986; “Reign In Blood” is the music of Satan’s free-spirited children, and Metallica are a relevant and prominent band.
To try and modernise metal can sometimes prove disastrous; in 2006 we are faced with hideous rip-off’s who attempt to pioneer; when all they succeed in is turning the heads of the forefathers. Musically, Battlewitch choose to vacate 20 years previous, and despite a lack of progression, the back-to-basic approach achieves a lack of stagnancy. The fact is; hair-metal ran out of steam. There was nothing to advance to, but the absence of modern-day intensity on this EP consequences in welcome accessibility. Even though the lack of originality does grate; Battlewitch’s music is simply too damn fun to care; squawks of “Baaaattlewiiiiiiitch!” would put a smirk on even Robert Smith’s face.
Metal will inevitably live on, but if a mid-life crisis is in the cards and you feel like splashing out in desperation on a motorbike and leathers; it is certainly a cheaper option to buy this Battlewitch EP instead.