This second offering from Canterbury four-piece The Dead Ends sees the band taking further steps to evolving their core sound. Containing all the tracks from their first release alongside four brand new songs, their progression in to a more confident and compelling rock and roll outfit is clear to hear.
The EP starts with ‘Double Barrel’, a squalling homage to triumphing over lost love and, well, pre-ejaculation. The track hangs wonderfully together, embellished with Jack Brown’s slide work in the verses and Max Newton’s gruff vocals on the bridge. ‘Statues’, the first new track is a far weightier affair, with the band experimenting more with atmospheric delay and reverb, giving the song an ethereal edge. The chorus is pure Queens Of The Stone Age swagger, and although this influence on the band becomes apparent to the ear on occasion it never overcomes the personality of The Dead End’s individual sound.
The band mixes things up next with the fuzzy stomp of ‘Mad Cow Disease’. Mostly instrumental, this is the sound of The Dead Ends stretching their legs and blasting out the riffs to great effect. It’s absolutely filthy rock and roll, and it’s executed with a dirty grin and a nodding head. Next up is ‘Tainted Point Of View’. A tried-and-tested live favourite from the first EP, this song belongs to Tom Dash and his virtuosic bass runs. For the most part the melding of the first EP with the newer material is unnoticeable, however it is clear that the band have become more comfortable in a studio setting and have learnt how to get the best out of their instruments to achieve their optimal sound on the latest tracks.
Once again the band move in to new territory with ‘Long Way To Go’. A slower number, frontman Dale Burford puts in a deliciously mellow performance that betrays the intensity of the chorus to come. It is a great example of loud-quiet dynamics working in harmony, and although it is slightly different from their regular output it has a cool texture and its builds and solos are some of the best The Dead Ends have produced. Next up, with the distinctive cowbell intro, comes ‘Dr Spink,’ galloping into a soaring riff. Yes, the subject matter may be a little strange, but the driving beat and raspy drawl makes this one of their more infectious tracks, and definitely the most fun.
The band mixes things up next with the fuzzy stomp of ‘Mad Cow Disease’. Mostly instrumental, this is the sound of The Dead Ends stretching their legs and blasting out the riffs to great effect. It’s absolutely filthy rock and roll, and it’s executed with a dirty grin and a nodding head. Next up is ‘Tainted Point Of View’. A tried-and-tested live favourite from the first EP, this song belongs to Tom Dash and his virtuosic bass runs. For the most part the melding of the first EP with the newer material is unnoticeable, however it is clear that the band have become more comfortable in a studio setting and have learnt how to get the best out of their instruments to achieve their optimal sound on the latest tracks.
Once again the band move in to new territory with ‘Long Way To Go’. A slower number, frontman Dale Burford puts in a deliciously mellow performance that betrays the intensity of the chorus to come. It is a great example of loud-quiet dynamics working in harmony, and although it is slightly different from their regular output it has a cool texture and its builds and solos are some of the best The Dead Ends have produced. Next up, with the distinctive cowbell intro, comes ‘Dr Spink,’ galloping into a soaring riff. Yes, the subject matter may be a little strange, but the driving beat and raspy drawl makes this one of their more infectious tracks, and definitely the most fun.
But if ‘Double Barrel’ was the best song on The Dead Ends’ first EP (which it was) then ‘NevaGunaGedIt’ takes the crown this time round as quite possibly the best song the band have written so far. It starts inconspicuously enough with a simple riff and vocal line, but the chorus brings the whole track to life with a hook so catchy it’ll burrow in to your subconscious, and a melodic line that will surely incite enthusiastic, sporadic air-guitar at future gigs.
The band may be short of bigger shows, PR, and most other things that fledgling groups similar to them try to amass on the climb to success in the music industry, but judging by what is here they certainly have the talent, and maybe with a few more EPs to their name, they are definitely on their way to writing a bonafide, kick-ass hit or two.
The band may be short of bigger shows, PR, and most other things that fledgling groups similar to them try to amass on the climb to success in the music industry, but judging by what is here they certainly have the talent, and maybe with a few more EPs to their name, they are definitely on their way to writing a bonafide, kick-ass hit or two.
Want more of The Dead Ends? Check out their Myspace >Here<
Deftones: 'Diamond Eyes'
'Diamond Eyes' is an album born out of tragedy. On 4th November bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a car accident and has been in a 'minimally conscious state' ever since. At the point of his accident Deftones were working on the album 'Eros,' which remains un-released by the band. In its place is 'Diamond Eyes,' a raw, emotive album that sings the hopes of the future and screams for the sadness of the past in equal measure.
All flavours of Deftones are abundantly represented here. The massive chorus of 'Rocket Skates' and the chug of 'You've Seen The Butcher' show that this is still a band who know how to let loose once in a while. While tracks such as 'Beauty School,' 'Sextape' and '976-EVIL' keep up the bands tradition of mixing in some serious 'shoe-gaze metal' with the bludgeoning stuff. It's a winning combination that has served the band well over their last 4 albums, and the tracks blend in such a way as to create a unique atmosphere when listening to the album as a whole.
Chino Moreno sounds the best he ever has done on this album, the soaring chorus of 'This Place Is Death' and the harrowing screaming on 'Royal' standing out as the vocal highlights. There is also a much greater focus on synth effects on this album compared to previous offerings, which sometimes feels at odds with the rest of Deftone's sound. For every time the effects enhance a song there is another time where it feels unneccesary, detracting focus away from the great guitar work and intense drum parts.
It is not a perfect album. 'CMND/CTRL' feels like it belongs on one of their earlier albums, while 'Ghosts' overstays its welcome with its extended intro. As the last track it lets the album go out on more of a whimper then a bang, which is a shame because for the most part it is a powerful offering from the Sacramento quintet.
Considering the circumstances under which it was recorded, the stress and emotional pressure Chi Cheng's accident must have put on the band, 'Diamond Eyes' is a competent album for the most part, with moments of absolute greatness.
4/5
Download: 'Rocket Skates,'979-EVIL'
Alexisonfire: 'Dog's Blood' EP
'Dog's Blood' is a surprising EP. 2009s release 'Old Crows/Young Cardinals' was a mainstream metal powerhouse of catchy melodies and triumphant shouts, that took a noticeable step away from the Alexis sound of the past. However with the release of 'Dog's Blood' the band pay homage to their earlier sound.
The titular track opens the four-track selection with rattling drums and down-tuned guitars, and it feels as if the band have stepped back nearly ten years into their back catalogue to their debut. George Pettit takes centre stage on this one, leaving Dallas to focus on his guitar playing, which is a shame as it leaves the EP lacking a certain flair that has been prominent on previous releases. However it does make some room for some excellent drum playing from Jordan Hastings, and particularly on final track 'Vex,' some note-worthy riffage from Wade and Dallas.
If you are a fan of Alexisonfire's earlier releases then 'Dog's Blood' will provide a welcome change to the more commercial sound the band have been pedalling over recent albums. But if you're looking for more 'Old Crows/Young Cardinals,' wait for their next full release.
3/5
Download: 'Dog's Blood,' 'Vex'
