Lets talk about black this is the cover of David’s Album A Picture” the first thing that sprung to me was Mr. Cash … but when I pressed play on the stereo I could hear some fantastic roots music with hints of bluegrass style playing over Irish traditional music, the lyrics on this album have a very moving and heart touching soul to them, very well written and produced maybe David could be Irelands answer to our own Cash or even Dylan very relaxed and yet “A Picture” makes great listening right to the end of this 10 track thriller thumbs up David and What a superb album….
I can't remember the last time I compared a vocalist to Faith No More's, Mike Patton but Deceptikon's Gareth, the singer/guitarist with Leicester metal outfit Deceptikon is exactly that on their EP 'Dark Hour' which is a major plus in my book. The EP delivers some monster, crushing metal riffs on tracks like 'Dark Hour' and 'Cirkus' along with twin guitars and gut shaking bass. All good metal fare with t he spin of Gareth and his unique edged vocals over the top. As a metal fan I have to give the thumbs up to Deceptikon, especially as they're not getting dragged into the Trivium/Avenged Sevenfold style stereotypical formats and I desperately want to big them up some more, but in some parts they do tend to get a bit lost in their own songs. Between slabs of quality rock there is the odd fight between the great and the ragged. The double bass drum blasts losing time for example in 'Dark Hour' or how the bass guitar seems to be playing another song completely to the rest of the band during the lead solo (and the rather ill-advised, meandering middle 8) in 'Cold'.
However, overall Deceptikon deliver some massive, big-assed crunching riffs and some great ideas despite occassionally getting a bit adventurous and going ragged around the edges, but hopefully this should tighten up with some regular gigging maybe, I hope so. Bravely, Deceptikon describe themselves in their bio as "...one of Leicesters leading metal acts". I'm not going to argue with them, I don't know any of Leicester's metal acts, leading or otherwise, but with the tools that they have already and a set of pipes like Gareths, they're in with a reasonable shout.
Dave Lee has a minimalist, almost mournful approach to his heartfelt, almost bluesy songs that only a strong, charismatic voice like his, can carry off. Some songs are just Dave and and the strumming of an acoustic guitar but it doesn't detract from the power of the experience in some goose-bump inducing mini epics, such as 'End your life', 'Red Mist' and 'Good ones'.
With a voice reminiscent of Mark Lanagan or Staind's Aaron Lewis, (maybe even slight traces of Nick Cave) Dave howls at the moon and plays with some quite moving passion. I did wonder briefly how much better the experience would be with a band behind Dave, but I'm not so sure it would be, he ably holds your attention all on his own. Then the question is answered with the odd-one-out track 'Bubby Boy Bad'. Now this couldn't be a further departure from the previous tracks if you tried... a lone fuzzy guitar plonks through some chords while a sampled speach chunters on in the background about something its not entirely possible to fathom. I guess its supposed to be a bit trippy and Pink Floyd-esque, and while it may have some merits, what probably seemed like a good idea after indulging in your relaxant of choice in the early hours, doesn't really stand close comparison to the other far more impressive tracks.
When doing what Dave does best he has quality, soul and feeling in abundance - its a unique and beguiling formula that could take him far in the indie market if he stays focussed.
DC Tempest played a highly energetic gig in Whelans, where each band member appeared to thoroughly enjoy the performance. Their sound explores some classic rock roots along with their own established harmony styles. As their set continued, this unison is highlighted more distinctively in their heavier, faster songs, allowing a more progressive exploration of these harmonic dynamics.
Exciting new talent from Austin,Texas,USA with a blend of sheryl crow and pink put together with excellent tones.
DAYS KEEP SLIPPING- This is a lovely melodic tune with a nice drum and bass beat kicking in the background, vocals are laid down really good on this track, song has has a real jazzy pop feel and acoustic work is excellent.
EVEN IF ITS SUNDAY- Hard driving groove brings this song in with Drews vocals, her voice is very relaxed over the melody, Drew seems to be able to front all styles of music but this style suits her to the ground.
ENERGETIC ROCK BAND FROM BELFAST WITH HARD HITTING TUNES AND SUPERB VOCALS
MILLION DAYS - A nice gutair melody brings this song in, the vocals has a retro rock feel and sound great, nice uplifting chorus rock on.
LOVE MACHINE - Great rhythm and drums drive the melody in this song, vocals nice and strong sound excellent, gutair solo goes all out with pure adreniline....
