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RELEASE DATE: 2006-01-01
LABEL: Independent Release
TRACKLIST:
1. Heart. Hands. Mind
2. Reflections of a Man
3. Mass Confusion
4. Electric Sun
5. Hands in the Fire
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Heart. Hands. Mind
Damarill
THE REVIEW:
The release of “Heart, Hands, Mind” marks the second EP from the Australian progressive metal outfit, Damarill. To say the least, I was most anxious to find what delights were to be found within its tantalising plastic folds.
The opener and EP title track starts out as altogether quite unassuming with its laidback jam feel, but quite unexpectedly builds into a rollicking blaze of energetic passion. Each note oozing equal parts grit and attitude for there are no accidents here, only calculated attention to detail. We see an altogether different side once the break kicks in, with the bass continuing the main riff as the guitars slowly fade away. After a few bars, a very tasty, soulful guitar solo chimes in, lulling the listener into a false sense of peace and calm just as a schizophrenic adrenaline rush takes hold bringing all to a most satisfying conclusion.
“Reflections of a Man”, brings forth with it much in the way of a more straightforward affair than that of the opening number. Razor sharp riffage and double bass madness. Also too, some excellent call-and-response interplay between a tough aggressive lead vocal and barking backup jabs to the ribs. A well placed time change towards the end adds tension and heightened interest culminating in quite literally – an explosion.
The momentum continues to mount in “Mass Confusion”, possessing an even harder edge than what has already come to pass. Pedal-to-the-metal driving rhythms and caustic riffs producing a Molotov cocktail of styles that is quite catchy indeed – Scandinavian Death and Emo Hardcore wound up in one strange brew. After having been thoroughly pummelled into submission, the outro section with its requisite time change heralds the entrance of a soaring lead guitar break. Delay and feedback to fade.
“Electric Sun”, could very well be the most accomplished, and I dare say the catchiest track on the EP. Numinous time changes, textures and moods all add up to hold the poor listener completely and utterly spellbound. Soulful lead vocal and harmonies replete with killer drumming, spaced out power chord guitar riffage, punctuated with tasty lead breaks. There could not possibly be any more that could be jammed into the mix.
“Hands in the Fire” has all the trappings of a live set crowd favourite - aggressive verses followed by rousing and heartfelt sing-along choruses. Although an almost impossible task to determine on such a strong offering, possibly my favourite track.
Thumb\'s up! Splendid. Running the gamut of modern sounds and styles without sounding even the slightest pretentious. Once again revealing a natural flair of Australian artists for taking on board a vast range of influences and forging something completely new. For what it\'s worth, they have my vote for the Australian national radio competition, Triple J\'s Unearthed. An endeavour which should in my mind be completely unnecessary for I can\'t see why these boys have not yet landed a major record deal? It just goes to show how competitive it really is in the current Australian music scene. Especially, given the high production quality, needless to say that of the content itself. In short, get your hands on a copy now!
POSTED BY: Neurologi on 2007-01-16
RANK:
 
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