As music trends go, the current theme seems to be that of the melodically charged heavy and emotional sound so ably performed by any number of bands, but the instant recognition in regards to Strikeforce Diablo is that of early day Hot Water Music. They attempt to pull of the sound with injections of some carefully selected melodic hardcore, but it isn’t enough to save the album from becoming, well just a little bit dull.
What is admirable about the ten tracks though is the thoroughness of the sound which has been carefully constructed to quash any thoughts that the band is riding the crest of a fairly popular wave at the moment. The likes of ‘Capt. Astronaut’ are beautifully constructed with impressive use of layered vocals to create a sense of unease within the track, while a thunderous start to the second half of the song signifies a heavier side to the group. The pacy and melodic ‘All Things Cloven’ and ‘NASDAQ Black’ continue a tight trio of tracks, but for the rest of the album, it lacks a spark which the band could only seemingly find earlier in the LP. The rot begins with ‘Between the Two’ as it attempts to be more than it actually is, yes the guitar hooks are sweeping and impressive, but the song tries to go to far and falls flat on its face before it has chance to end. ‘Akimbo’ offers a brief respite, before dull ‘The Stretch’ and instrumental ‘The Humungus’ end “The Architect…†in disappointing and flat fashion.
This record at best is above average, it doesn’t attempt anything new, but neither does it sink into uninteresting mediocrity. What it does best is create atmospheric, ambient thought provoking hardcore which is edgy and heavy enough to rest well with hardcore fans, yet finely crafted and heartfelt enough to nestle in with the emo crowd. If you get your kicks off that kind of mixed bag of sounds, then you’ll love it, if not I suggest you steer well clear.
Jay
www.gainesvillebandpage.com/SFD_main.html
No Idea Records