Hey, what’s this? A Five track EP (beautifully crafted) consisting of 2 ex-members of My Dad Joe(Bless their souls)? For those blissfully unaware, MDJ were Skate-punk from Watford who were considered legendary in their own right, so it comes as no surprise that this CD is also full of key elements that make up a “sound†recording. What it isn’t however, is skate punk, let’s make that very clear.
The track “Abandon Ship†is an epic lesson in how to write ambient music without having to have a stupidly long name. The track, like the rest of the EP is dark, moody, and written with purely evil intent. It’s got vocals that sound truly terrified in parts, matching the lyrics. How often do you actually get this blatantly obvious piece of musical genius? Not often enough if this EP and the words “MAYDAY, MAYDAY†yelled through a radio effect are anything to go by.
The guitars on this entire CD are crunchy, and meaty, but make no mistake; the chords played are no marshmallow mess thrown across a mixing desk. It’s melodic, and complex, and I can’t stress how dark it is. It’s Zombie B-movie dark, but it’s accessible, and neat. This is a unique release.
It’s not without faults though. While at times the Vocals (sometimes worked across 3 members. This is no rock-by-numbers band) can be incredible, at other times they can just be pure screech, and it’s difficult to ascertain what’s going on. Usually I wouldn’t give a monkeys, but considering some of the lyrics on this are genius (Is there anything more British than “You always were a fucking prick!†yelled in an almost cockney accent?) it leaves me a bit peeved. But this is a tremendous release, just missing that certain something that would gain in another star. Once Gallows can figure out what that certain something is, they’re sure to leave destruction in their wake.
Craig