I’m probably going to get crucified for this review, but fuck a duck Lebatol are dull. I mean coma-inducing, episode of Hollyoaks, 9am lecture dull. There maybe a market for slow uninspiring music, but they are unlikely to find any new fans at Punktastic towers with such a lacklustre effort. Beginning with the title track, it never does anything remotely inventive other than managing to create a vaguely rousing chorus which almost makes hairs stand on end, but sandwiched either side is just plain and dull low-fi indie rock. ‘Tremalo Fixator’ shows a slight improvement with a bit more pace and meaning showing the band isn’t a complete lost cause, but from here it doesn’t change too much.
Fortunately though, the two instrumentals featured pick everything up. While the first (Sortie) is nothing too special, the final track (Spectator N.Y) is a cracking piece of music which you can’t help but admire. But unfortunately it’s too little to late as the lingering memories of the opening track prove too much to ignore and ruin the enjoyment of the EP. The vocals for the most part are fine though, with the lead vocalists growling snarl maybe more suited to a heavier tone other than the slow paced melodies Lebatol have to offer. As I said, I may well be criticised for this review, but if a band aren’t going to attempt to engage the listener, how are we expected to enjoy the music the band have to offer? Lebtol need to find some energy from somewhere, because for the moment it has little to offer anyone.
Jay
www.lebatol.net
Function Records