I’ll always
remember my first encounter with the music of Aberdeen-based experimental noise
rock duo [ ] (pronounced “Wall”). A bitterly cold and blustery November evening
saw bassist Alastair Crowe and drummer Chris Bissett assemble their equipment
in a postage stamp-sized area at the side of the Tunnels’ stage, left to them
by a slightly inconsiderate touring band. Moments later, it was evident that stage real-estate was not a concern
high on the duo’s list as they unleashed a frantically visceral and kinetic
sonic armada, bolstered by the sort of volume and energy typified by one of the
band’s biggest influences; Providence noise rockers Lightning Bolt.
Formed in
early 2011, [ ] share more than a modicum of passion for high-decibel music and
tonal modification by deployment of a wide array of effects pedals. Indeed, for a fellow “gear-head” like myself,
Alastair’s board provides a veritable banquet for these slightly envious
eyes. A ZVex Mastotron fuzz,
MoogerFooger and a host of phasers and chorus pedals help sculpt and colour the
squalls of feedback and drone, impenetrable walls of noise, progressive driving
passages and the more melodic and psychedelic elements of their sound, the
latter reminiscent of the more spacey tendencies of English psychers Porcupine
Tree. This rich diversity of tones is
underpinned by an equally diverse arsenal of percussive rhythms and
grooves. An impossibly energetic,
precise and inventive drummer, Chris provides intense, pounding beats, peppered
by polyrhythm and fast, flash and ferocious fills, recalling the technical
prowess of Tool’s Danny Carey. Certainly,
the title of the first track on their new six-track demo, Clockwork Horsemen aptly encapsulates the visual aspect of the
band’s live performance- the relentless
energy and bombast on display is indeed suggestive of a wildly freewheeling
series of cogs and springs, which have formerly just been begging to be wound up and released.
The aforementioned
demonstration, released earlier in June (available as a free download from the
duo’s bandcamp and best enjoyed at high volume) is a series of six short
snapshots which showcases the duo’s songwriting ability. Stop/start staccato, time changes and
quiet/loud (or perhaps more fittingly: LOUD and slightly less loud) collide to
create a varied and dynamic topography. It’s also a suitably lo-fi affair, recorded on a four-track, which sits
well with the duo’s guerrilla persona and DIY approach. Though doubtlessly an impressive and pleasing
listen, my only very minor gripe is that their energy, personality
and presence does not always quite translate on record, and for me, [ ] are at
their rapturous and ear-splittingly loud best during their frenetic live
performances. That said, it definitely
serves as a great introduction to the band. Thus far,
2012 has been an exciting year for [ ], with the release of the demo coupled
with prolific appearances at Bile Yer Heid and Rodstock, further cementing the
duo’s reputation as a thunderous and formidable tour-de-force. One cannot help but feel that even bigger
things are in the pipeline for [ ], even in their fledgling years, and with
their infectious charisma and work ethic, further successes would be richly
deserved.
CH
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