*Insert obligatory paragraph about how post-hardcore/emo is getting really, really dull*
*Insert obligatory paragraph saying Adzuki are Welsh and signed to Mighty Atom - drawing inevitable comparisons to Funeral For A Friend and Hondo Maclean*
*Insert obligatory paragraph about how Adzuki have lots of quiet/loud bits and sound a bit American - even though they're Welsh*
But the truth, despite the need for all those obligatory emo paragraphs, is that Adzuki are actually quite good. While it may be their misfortune to be Welsh and draw the inevitable comparisons to all those other Welsh bands (add The Next Nine Years to that list as well), Adzuki are solid enough to probably draw their own comparisons in years to come. Whilst their sound isn't wholly original, there is enough to suggest that over the course of five songs the band - made up of Matthew Fry (bass), Daniel Thomas (vocals/guitar), Dean Gorno (drums) and Richard Williams (guitar) - have enough of their own energy and enthusiasm to forge ahead with a musical career. It's a pity that the band have absolutely no info about them anywhere on t'internet - with both their official site and the Mighty Atom Records site carrying next to nothing.
One thing that is imemdiately noticeable is that Adzuki, crap name apart, pen songs with huge choruses. Unfortunately I've lost the piece of paper with the tracklisting on it (note to bands/labels - print it on the CD!) but track 2 has a massive sound to it, really showcasing the vocalists talents. They're more Hell Is For Heroes than Funeral For A Friend, although they do go and spoil it with the obligatory screaming on the final effort. But despite that misdemeanour, there are subtleties here which are refreshingly intricate at times, and in a day when everything seems to have to crunch and thump, it's nice to get back to the melodies.
Adzuki are good, but not great. Yet. But there would appear to be enough here to suggest they might be on to something. Check them out before the mainstream press tells you to.
www.adzuki.co.uk
Mighty Atom Records
Paul
