Reviews: Brume, Devilskin, Just One Fix, Room11 (Reviews By James Jackson & Matt Bladen)

Brume - Marten (Magnetic Eye Records) [James Jackson]

I’ve always enjoyed the use of classical instruments, particularly the violin, in Metal, however after listening to the third full length album from California based Brume, I have to say that the cello has to be up there for its ability to be as dramatic and sorrowful as the violin. 

Opening track Jimmy, has the rich sound of the cello flowing throughout, it leads yet doesn’t overwhelm the melody, a hypnotic bass line and drum pattern support the song, guitars ramp up the energy during the chorus, whilst the verses are subtle, the vocals of Susie McMullan haunting. According to the bio, the band are keen on experimentation, pushing their sound from Indie Rock to Doom Metal, New Sadder You is evidence of that, a five minute journey through a Jazz inspired Lounge influence to a frenetic sound of Hard Rock/Metal and it’s this obvious desire to make something new that drives the band and the album that they’ve created. 

The hauntingly beautiful sound of the cello and guitar open Otto’s Song; it’s the most vocally minimal, male and female vocals used as instruments, harmonious sounds rather than a clear message, yet is somehow just as expressive as any other song upon the album. I’ve just used two words which sum the album up for me “hauntingly beautiful”. And it is, the string arrangements are brilliantly crafted, the more traditional “Metal” instruments used to create soundscapes that are emotive and rich; whether it’s a hint of Doom or the almost Black Metal despair found in How Rude, this album has touches of pure genius within it’s eight songs. 10/10

Devilskin - Surfacing EP (Self Released) [Matt Bladen]

Has it been 10 years since We Rise? Bloody hell! I remember listing to Kiwi band Devilskin's debut album, from there I was absolutely smitten with Jennie Skulander's diverse vocals, Paul Martin's driving bass, Nic Martin's muscular drumming and Nail Vincent's virtuoso guitars. Devilskin bring radio friendly American alt metal grooves, classic metal anthemic choruses and solos and personal lyrics that fans can identify with. So to celebrate the 10th anniversary they are not only going on tour with Tadpole and Skinny Hobos but have released this EP called Surfacing. 

It's three live favourites and three new tracks to give people of taste of what to expect from Devilskin as a band now while they look back on their debut album. Kicking off with The Whale Song they have chosen the proggy early live staple to get things going, it's classic Devilskin groove with Jennie's brilliant vocals over the top, it's also the first time it's been recorded. Long term fans will have heard this song and it still sounds pretty vital. The other two songs are covers and both are brave; Holy Diver and Barracuda, tackling both Ronnie James Dio and Ann Wilson may be daunting for some but Skulander takes both in her stride, the versions heavier than the originals but keep the spirit. 

If the quality of the covers don't make you realise how talented Devilskin are then the three new tracks will. Let Me Breathe takes a heavy route with crushing thrashy riffs and growls, it's a snarling and snorting track which shows you that Devilskin can go into the heavy side with ease. On the other side you have the tender ballad Unborn which is beautiful, giving the other side of the band. On these songs it's obvious Devilskin have stepped up, even with Insects which is the raison d'etre, it feels bigger and better than before. I'll definitely be looking forward to what comes next, hopefully some UK dates. 8/10

Just One Fix - Submit Or Death (Self Released) [James Jackson]

With a name that instantly reminded me of an Industrial classic from Ministry, I could be forgiven for expecting something of a similar vein. The fourth album from the New Zealand based quartet however sits firmly within the Thrash Metal genre with a touch of Death Metal thrown in for good measure.

Starting off with that staple of 80’s/90’s era Thrash albums, the acoustic guitar intro, gives you a glimpse of what’s to come, much like Sepultura’s Beneath The Remains, it’s the calm before the storm. This is Old School Thrash and as such bands like the aforementioned Sepultura, Slayer and Exodus come to mind, along with early 80’s Metallica.

Neither Thrash nor Death Metal are genres I spend too much time listening to anymore, I’ve found too many albums to be repetitive and boring, never veering too far from the beaten path; despite there not really being much new on Submit Or Death it is a solid enough album, the riffs are good examples of the genre, breakneck drums drive the rhythm and that Death Metal influence drives the tracks harder; there are a few interesting moments however, the tribalistic drum intro of Thorns for example, great accompanying riff and something I’ve not heard for quite some time.

Not one that I’ll personally listen to again but I’d certainly recommend it for any fans of the genre. 5/10

Room11 - We All Fall Down (Self Release) [Matt Bladen]

Coming from Pershore in Birmingham, garage punk rockers Room11 are a contemporary duo that draw influence from Jack White, The Royal Blood, The Graveltones and The Virginmarys. Chrissy Finn has a raw vocal as Robbie Pinnetto cranks out the fuzzy electric guitar riffs. On the video for single We All Fall Down, Robbie had a skateboard crash and broke his arm. 

That D.I.Y ethos runs through all of these six tracks, the kind of music that would easily feature on a Tony Hawks soundtrack. Punchy and punky, it bristles with attitude and some jerky riffs. If any of the bands I mentioned earlier are up your street then open the door to Room11. 7/10