Dude On A Mission sound a hell of a lot like A. They also have one of the worst band names in the world ever. It's so bad, that I'd never actually be in a band with that name - I just cannot take them seriously. I actually thought we'd be in for some silly, slapstick punk (a bit of comedy, stupid lyrics, basic three-chord stuff, y'know the drill), but DOAM (as I prefer to call them) thankfully have a little bit more too them. Musically they're quite interesting - it's pop-punky in places without ever really becoming cliched, while at times it's very British in sound, mimmicking the likes of A.
'Moments Erased' is a decent offering from this 5-piece, but never really sets the world alight. Production wise this is good, but then it's an Iain Wetherell production so you get what it says on the tin with him. However, DOAM's 'problem' for me is also their secret weapon - the vocals. They're certainly an acquired taste, switching from a lazy drawl that sounds out of tune and out of time, to something incredibly refreshing and unique. It seems to be at a strange pitch; maybe it's just me but it's infuriating how they go from being effective to annoying in the space of the same line. It doesn't help much that some of the lyrics are, well, a bit naff as well.
If this record is indicative of DOAM as a band, then at least you have to give them the thumbs up for not going down the beaten path and peddling the same old rhubarb. 'Moments Erased' may not become your new favourite disc, but it is worthy of a spin and I'm sure those who do enjoy the vocals will get more out of this record than I did. This Cambridge quintet are still finding their sound, but at least it's admirable that they are attempting to find something they can call their own...
www.dudeonamission.co.uk
Paul
