dijous, de setembre 13, 2007
Music Machete #00 - Apparently With No Surprise by Dissever
Editors Note: This is an album review I was asked (and honored) to do for the Miami rock band Dissever. I will be candid and admit that I am not a huge fan of the genres they vacillate among, but I am a fan of Dissever. I know them as people, friends and not figurines on a stage. While I had experienced previous incarnations of the band live I had not given their music a deep listen until after being asked to do this review. I, honestly, came away surprised at the production level and dedication to creating compelling music the album displayed. These guys are obviously focused on honing their craft and propelling themselves to new heights, which are two characteristics I always will admire. Hopefully one day they'll get a real one on a fancy website or music rag because for a skeptic like me they have definitely earned it. Here is the review I did for their press kit. Feel free to vote for them here in their latest Battle of the Bands.
By opening the album with hazy guitars, a driving rhythm section, and lyrics of a mysteriously distant land Dissever makes clear that an intense journey awaits the listener. Surprisingly enough, this journey turns out to be equal parts vindictive and altruistic. Make no mistake about it, Dissever does not lend itself to being easily labeled. At times raucous and at other times subtle Apparently With No Surprise proves to be an expertly produced and technically sound album that belies Dissevers youth and budget. As a whole, the album coveys a deep musical knowledge, talent, and skill through use of well timed tempo shifts and complex arrangements that make it impossible to peg Dissever as a one trick pony.
Leading songs through severe dips and turns, sometimes at breakneck speeds, is an incredibly difficult task that Brian Jenkins accomplishes masterfully on his guitar. At times sounding akin to a Paul Bunyan sized chainsaw and at other times imitating an intergalactic robot with reverb capabilities, there is an impressive arsenal of riffs on display throughout Apparently With No Surprise.
Adding to the repeat listen factor is the underlying current of Anthony Beaulieu's percolating bass. Functioning as a double edged weapon the bass line is skillfully used to both smooth out the pervasive harsh attitude and drive a beat that becomes the pulse of the pit.
Texture arrives through Billy Jenkins percussive persuasion as he picks and chooses moments to switch between avalanche and bombastic modes. Not letting a drum head go to waste, the entire kit is put to use in a way that infuses energy into the rhythm and lyrics. The, at times jazzy and other times apocalyptic, cymbal syncopation, fast flicking kicks, and brain bashing tom combinations make bobbing one's head irresistible.
The equally compelling and intelligent lyrics by Eddie Torres weave an epic tale that twists and turns through moments of love, inspiration, oppression, revolution, and confinement, to name a few. Each song is intended to be taken as part of a greater story that spans the entire album and says a lot about the current state of the world. The lyrics accomplish the difficult task of retaining a level of authenticity as moments of joy and undying love are peppered within a hopeless world that is rapidly collapsing on the protagonist. The fluctuation across tones in the singing is done in a way that matches the band and keeps the listener engaged.
By assuming the role of narrator, and employing some old fashioned musical storytelling, Dissever convey a chain of events rather than issue monologues. This technique creates songs that are accessible and ultimately invite the audience to empathize with the emotions expressed through sound.
Overall Dissever shows a musical unison that tightens and enhances their sound. This cohesion goes a long way in making the music work, because as most know when it comes to any band it is the chemistry of the ingredients that makes the music enjoyable. Apparently With No Surprise delivers on the promise of Dissever's live shows and displays an understanding of the subtle aspects of studio recording that make an album worth listening through again and again.
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By opening the album with hazy guitars, a driving rhythm section, and lyrics of a mysteriously distant land Dissever makes clear that an intense journey awaits the listener. Surprisingly enough, this journey turns out to be equal parts vindictive and altruistic. Make no mistake about it, Dissever does not lend itself to being easily labeled. At times raucous and at other times subtle Apparently With No Surprise proves to be an expertly produced and technically sound album that belies Dissevers youth and budget. As a whole, the album coveys a deep musical knowledge, talent, and skill through use of well timed tempo shifts and complex arrangements that make it impossible to peg Dissever as a one trick pony.
Leading songs through severe dips and turns, sometimes at breakneck speeds, is an incredibly difficult task that Brian Jenkins accomplishes masterfully on his guitar. At times sounding akin to a Paul Bunyan sized chainsaw and at other times imitating an intergalactic robot with reverb capabilities, there is an impressive arsenal of riffs on display throughout Apparently With No Surprise.Adding to the repeat listen factor is the underlying current of Anthony Beaulieu's percolating bass. Functioning as a double edged weapon the bass line is skillfully used to both smooth out the pervasive harsh attitude and drive a beat that becomes the pulse of the pit.
Texture arrives through Billy Jenkins percussive persuasion as he picks and chooses moments to switch between avalanche and bombastic modes. Not letting a drum head go to waste, the entire kit is put to use in a way that infuses energy into the rhythm and lyrics. The, at times jazzy and other times apocalyptic, cymbal syncopation, fast flicking kicks, and brain bashing tom combinations make bobbing one's head irresistible.
The equally compelling and intelligent lyrics by Eddie Torres weave an epic tale that twists and turns through moments of love, inspiration, oppression, revolution, and confinement, to name a few. Each song is intended to be taken as part of a greater story that spans the entire album and says a lot about the current state of the world. The lyrics accomplish the difficult task of retaining a level of authenticity as moments of joy and undying love are peppered within a hopeless world that is rapidly collapsing on the protagonist. The fluctuation across tones in the singing is done in a way that matches the band and keeps the listener engaged.
By assuming the role of narrator, and employing some old fashioned musical storytelling, Dissever convey a chain of events rather than issue monologues. This technique creates songs that are accessible and ultimately invite the audience to empathize with the emotions expressed through sound.
Overall Dissever shows a musical unison that tightens and enhances their sound. This cohesion goes a long way in making the music work, because as most know when it comes to any band it is the chemistry of the ingredients that makes the music enjoyable. Apparently With No Surprise delivers on the promise of Dissever's live shows and displays an understanding of the subtle aspects of studio recording that make an album worth listening through again and again.
Publica un comentari a l'entrada