PyroMusic.net - 29/1/07

Despite only forming in late 2004, Sydney Metal/Hard Rock quartet Damarill are quite the productive outfit, releasing this, their second EP and spending a considerable amount of time on the road to boot. While obviously indebted to a range of influences and at times struggling with somewhat unfocused songwriting, Damarill are worthy of attention and are on their way to discovering their own sound.

'Heart. Hands. Mind', their self-financed five track EP, sees Damarill bringing together a few distinctive styles, usually within the course of a solitary song. The opening title track is a strong indication of their sound, despite some predictable moments and a few questionable lyrics. It combines Nu Metal-influenced riffing, infectious grooves, meandering passages that recall Tool or Deftones and slick vocal lines with Thrashy trimmings, especially evident in the rhythms and solos. There's also a few Grungy riffs in amongst it all, which tend to just blend in rather than be truly memorable unfortunately. This could potentially be an awful proposition, and I've heard bands make an absolute mess of this type of thing before (Bleed The Sky anyone?), but these guys have songwriting ability, even if it's still developing. What is most encouraging is that Damarill showcase that they can craft songs with memorable choruses and are chock full of melody, but also possess interesting little nuances that stand up well after repeated listens. The neat time signature changes and harmonies during the seven minute 'Electric Sun" are just one example.

"Reflections Of A Man" and "Mass Confusion" bring out the band's more Metal leanings, especially the Swedish-influenced riff and driving rhythms of the latter and the former's sharp riffing. "Hands In The Fire" also possesses a real groove-Thrash feel in spots that recalls Lamb Of God or Chimaira and will appeal to that audience. The fleeting spurts of solid lead work are promising as well: it would be nice to see the guys perhaps look to expand upon this element of their sound. The layered vocals move from soaring, if a little indistinguishable clean vocal sections ala The Butterfly Effect to growls and screams that lack a bit of refinement but do have a degree of punch and enthusiasm. The production is also more than adequate for an unsigned band.

I do have one fairly significant criticism however. The band pull off the various styles reasonably well despite a few more bland passages or typical shifts in dynamics, but at times they seem confused as to which direction to adopt and what elements to leave behind. It's like when my old cricket coach used to say, "The idea was good, but the execution was a little off at times": their blending of Hard Rock/Nu Metal and Thrash doesn't always sound completely natural, as if they're a little uncertain about their direction, despite the best intentions. That said, I don't want to end this review on a negative note, and it is important to point out that these guys are capable of delivering a worthy full-length in the near future. There is considerable promise here.

Spiritech

6.1

HardCoreSounds - 16/1/07

The release of "Heart, Hands, Mind" marks the second EP from the Australian progressive metal outfit, Damarill. To say the least, I was most anxious to find what delights were to be found within its tantalising plastic folds.

The opener and EP title track starts out as altogether quite unassuming with its laidback jam feel, but quite unexpectedly builds into a rollicking blaze of energetic passion. Each note oozing equal parts grit and attitude for there are no accidents here, only calculated attention to detail. We see an altogether different side once the break kicks in, with the bass continuing the main riff as the guitars slowly fade away. After a few bars, a very tasty, soulful guitar solo chimes in, lulling the listener into a false sense of peace and calm just as a schizophrenic adrenaline rush takes hold bringing all to a most satisfying conclusion.

"Reflections of a Man", brings forth with it much in the way of a more straightforward affair than that of the opening number. Razor sharp riffage and double bass madness. Also too, some excellent call-and-response interplay between a tough aggressive lead vocal and barking backup jabs to the ribs. A well placed time change towards the end adds tension and heightened interest culminating in quite literally - an explosion.

The momentum continues to mount in "Mass Confusion", possessing an even harder edge than what has already come to pass. Pedal-to-the-metal driving rhythms and caustic riffs producing a Molotov cocktail of styles that is quite catchy indeed - Scandinavian Death and Emo Hardcore wound up in one strange brew. After having been thoroughly pummelled into submission, the outro section with its requisite time change heralds the entrance of a soaring lead guitar break. Delay and feedback to fade.

"Electric Sun", could very well be the most accomplished, and I dare say the catchiest track on the EP. Numinous time changes, textures and moods all add up to hold the poor listener completely and utterly spellbound. Soulful lead vocal and harmonies replete with killer drumming, spaced out power chord guitar riffage, punctuated with tasty lead breaks. There could not possibly be any more that could be jammed into the mix.

"Hands in the Fire" has all the trappings of a live set crowd favourite - aggressive verses followed by rousing and heartfelt sing-along choruses. Although an almost impossible task to determine on such a strong offering, possibly my favourite track.

Thumb's up! Splendid. Running the gamut of modern sounds and styles without sounding even the slightest pretentious. Once again revealing a natural flair of Australian artists for taking on board a vast range of influences and forging something completely new. For what it's worth, they have my vote for the Australian national radio competition, Triple J's Unearthed. An endeavour which should in my mind be completely unnecessary for I can't see why these boys have not yet landed a major record deal? It just goes to show how competitive it really is in the current Australian music scene. Especially, given the high production quality, needless to say that of the content itself. In short, get your hands on a copy now!

POSTED BY: Neurologi on 2007-01-16

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