Polish Foursome Tortuga have two previous albums under their belts, but in their third full length Iterations they have embraced the experimental, evolving from their colossal stoner doom into a band that still produce riffs the density of black hole but also bring swirling psychadelia, glistening post rock and oscillating synths that underpin tracks such as Init.
Iterations is a concept record about the history of the universe, moving away from their dalliances with Lovecraftian Cosmic Horror on their previous albums. While I'm not sure what Carl Sagan would think of it, he'd probably appreciate the endeavour that they certainly have embraced the unpredictability of the universe adding Type O Negative gothics and rawness to Lilith, while Laspes builds with the confidence and layering of Live At Pompeii era Floyd, rhythmically shifting into a fully formed track right across the 9 minutes it runs for.
It's from these psychadelic journeying and after the synthwave Interlude that we are taken further into the universe with the terrifying fuzz of Malaca and the throb of Quaus. Psychadelic explorations and mountainous riffs all brough together with progressive leanings and a lack of fear. If Boss Keloid ever added more Vangelis then Tortuga would be the result. Intergalactic riffs from the beyond. 8/10
Dan Byrne - Beginnings (Neon Churches Records)
Liverpool rockers Revival Black had a lot going for them, good press, lots of shows, regular plays on rock radio. But for me it was the vocals of Dan Byrne that really elevated them. Right at their height Dan left and I don't recall hearing that much about the band since then. Byrne however has recently tracked the vocals Myke Gray (Skin, Jagged Edge), new version of Skin, with Andy Sneap, and recorded Beginnings his debut solo EP.
It showcases him as both a stellar vocalist and a songwriter, featuring four tracks all written by Dan he has managed to blend groovy hard rock with grandiose cinematic scope. With a plaintive ballad Easier driven by piano and ticking electronics, you really get to hear the fragility of Byrne's voice cutting in is an evocative guitar solo, though Byrne, rightly steals the show, I can guarantee that this will captivate audiences at his gigs (the next one being the Steelhouse Away Day in The Tramshed supporting Kira Mac).
Don't get me wrong though Byrne knows how to rock Hard To Breathe is in the modern style of Shinedown et al, as is brooding opener Death Of Me, the way piano is used, is particularly impressive. It's Like Animals though where Byrne gets his groove going, the riffs getting meatier and he unleashes his full rockstar posturing. Leaving a successful nad to embark on a solo career can sometimes be a dangerous thing to do, often wracked with ruin, however Dan Byrne has overcome any doubts with this debut EP. Sensational. 8/10
Sonus Mortis - Of Red Barren Earth (Self Released)
Celebrating 10 years, Ireland one man project Sonus Mortis, marks this anniversary with a new album which will be the precursor to a 2 year-ish break. Sonus Mortis is Kevin Byrne he plays guitars/bass/synth/programming as well as all the vocals, writing and recording. It's a feat of endeavour when you hear the scope of this epic death/doom record, even more so when you realise it was recorded in just two weeks!
From the orchestral swells of Among The Marrow And The Machines, you can hear that Byrne has thrown everything he has at this record. Rightly so as it could be his last musical statement for a while. Exploring themes of corruption, dehumanisation and power imbalances, Of Red Barren Earth takes a downbeat world view that channels the disillusionment through cinematic extremity. Unflinchingly bleak in its lyrical content, the music is reflective too, explosive blastbeats are precision programmed under orchestral stabs, the riffs layered and shifting between death metal punishment, black metal fury and doomy atmospheres, vocally as well Byrne growls, screams and even sings in a deep baritone when the quieter moments bring a haunting intensity.
Of Red Barren Earth is an all or nothing anniversary release for Kevin Byrne, intended to cement a legacy and pay tribute to what has come before. It’s got everything you would want but still shows that in 2 years or whenever, Sonus Mortis could return with yet another epic blackened death/doom record. 8/10
King Falcon - King Falcon (Mascot Records)
From Queens New York King Falcon have been very much influenced by Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys as they pair angular indie riffs, reverbed vocals and a snotty attitude with some garage rocking. Other infoienves are The Black Keys and The Strokes. An therein is the kicker, nothing on this self titled debuted sounds original. You can pinpoint which band influences which song, sometimes they even sound like the same song as Ready Set Go and Cadillac do.
I heard of a segue but both these songs are so damn similar I thought they were one. Oddly these have both been singles but I suppose they represent King Falcon better than anything else. Now I know there's only so many sounds a duo can produce but King Falcon aren't adding anything new. Still if you love bands like The Royal Blood et al where indie rock is given lower tunings and a rhythmic pulse then you'll enjoy it. But you will have heard it all before. 5/10
King Falcon - King Falcon (Mascot Records)
From Queens New York King Falcon have been very much influenced by Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys as they pair angular indie riffs, reverbed vocals and a snotty attitude with some garage rocking. Other infoienves are The Black Keys and The Strokes. An therein is the kicker, nothing on this self titled debuted sounds original. You can pinpoint which band influences which song, sometimes they even sound like the same song as Ready Set Go and Cadillac do.
I heard of a segue but both these songs are so damn similar I thought they were one. Oddly these have both been singles but I suppose they represent King Falcon better than anything else. Now I know there's only so many sounds a duo can produce but King Falcon aren't adding anything new. Still if you love bands like The Royal Blood et al where indie rock is given lower tunings and a rhythmic pulse then you'll enjoy it. But you will have heard it all before. 5/10
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