Since the Failure tribute began working on collecting bands for the album, they have introduced a whole new generation of great space rock bands to the public. One of these bands that have captured my interest in a major way is Vancouver, Canada's very own Satellite Tragedy. They will be releasing their debut album, "New Beautiful," in July through Pop-Up Records, and I have been graced with the privilege of hearing an advanced copy of the album. The band is comprised of just two members, Ridd Sorensen (vocals, guitars, synths, other) and Scott Davies (percussion, guitars, other) but their sound is massive. Davies produced the album himself, and certainly has a knack for blending the familiar Failure formula with a new, more updated feel to it.
The mood is set straight from the opening moments of the album with an ominous creeping introduction title track, "New Beautiful". Vocals are filtered backwards as the voyage begins. "In My Head Again," follows with a light chugging guitar and bouncing vocal line coming in like a space themed lullaby. The song takes off about half way through with a strong drum beat to lift the pop rock influenced song to a storming buzz with a great sound that could be actually good, accessible, radio friendly music. The guitars spiral around in circles as the lyrics create a strong connection with the music.
"Ethanol" comes tearing in right behind, with a strong grunge presence. This is my favorite track on the album, and should not go unnoticed! A rusty twanging guitar introduces the song before the bleak sounding melody begins, with equally bleak and raw lyrics. The music picks up during the chorus and then drops right back down to the bass line and guitar crunch that holds this song together so well. Interesting guitar and vocal harmonies are included in the thick sound of this track, making it a much welcomed change of pace for the album. The guitar solo during the bridge 'til the end is squealing and explosive with waves of sonic madness that rush in and out like an incredible dense blast of sound. The brooding dark deep space atmosphere is continued into "Inside Your Skin," with whispered verses building tension before the release of the hook. The vocals soar out like an explosion of melody over the silky guitar textures. The hook reminds me of the melodic qualities of old school Weezer or Rival Schools mixed with a space rock layering of sounds. There is a strong passion that can be heard in Sorensen's voice, as the guitars wind and ring with intensity.
"Gone," is another example of drifting effect filled guitars that move the music in a haze without sounding choppy or overdone. Multiple layering creates a great sonic texture as they fizzle in and out, while the drum's cymbals crash to accentuate the emotionally driven lyrics. Sorensen's voice is strong and refreshing to this genre of rock music. The guitars that come in during the bridge push this song to another level with the down tuned riff bringing the entire track to the hint of mayhem and destruction before it ends. "Out of my Mind," is a quick riotous grunge influenced track with heavy deep drums and angst soaked lyrics and vocals. The song serves as a great textural segue. "Tonight," begins with long stretching atmospheric tones, sort of the calm before the storm as the shifting guitar textures become more abrasive before the vocals begin. Once Sorensen starts with his beautifully quiet melody, the guitars revert back to the softer tones. The thick fuzz helps this track achieve a dream like state of floating through the clouds. The tracking of this album is exceptional as they never stick with one theme for too long, keeping the album flowing, fresh, and interesting the entire listen. Just when you think you have their sound pegged, Satellite Tragedy switches it up on you, making them a band that is well worth supporting and watching as they progress.
The albums then moves to its first more traditional segue "Segue - SP-117". Learning from the technique Failure used to achieve the incredible completeness of "Fantastic Planet," ST use the same strategy to make their debut have the same flowing effect. Davies should be credited as not only a member of a great up-and-coming band, but also as a stellar producer. The segues allow for seamless blends from one track to the next. Continuing with the Failure influence, "This Unknown," is the most heavily influenced track on the album, as it sounds like it could have been a b-side of the aforementioned album. The song begins with great popping harmonics, while the vocals are slightly processed during the verses. The smoky fog of the blending guitars, bass, and synths create an atmosphere similar to a calming cruise through outer-space. Clean vocals kick into place during the chorus providing another strong example of their use of textures. The layers blend with the smoothest mix into one huge unapologetic sound.
"Segue - Interference," begins with a static crackle that leads to a wide beautiful guitar melody. Bongo sounding percussion and harmonic embellishments and thrown in to make for an incredible sounding transition, but leaves you wanting more from such a strong segue. The album concludes with the breezy closer, "Goodbye". This song is a fairly conventional sounding pop-rock track, with a sincere ballad like quality as it fades out, ending the sonic journey that is "New Beautiful." This is a great album for the hopes and dreams of space rock, and I know that I am very excited for this band's future. Hopefully they can get out and tour, as many of these songs sound like they would be great live.
While not on the album, I felt it is important for me to mention their cover of Failure's "Frogs," is phenomenal, and very possibly my favorite track on the tribute album. So check this band out, show them your support, and let's help them get the credit they deserve! For more information and samples of their music, check out their myspace page, Satellite Tragedy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment