Listening to Distorted Pop Song, one half of the new AA-sided single from UK progressive rock band The Art of Amputation, is like being wrapped up in a warm duvet against a squalling wind. It is a thick haze of melodic and sonic enterprise which gives you a fuzzy feeling in the senses warding off shadows and at times reality. Aligned to the more tenacious and incendiary Californian English, song and single is a captivating offering from the London quintet, not a startling one but an encounter which though an instant enjoyment takes its time truly seducing the emotions.
Formed when Hugh Fox (drums, programming, percussion) and Allan Harrod (vocals, guitar, keyboards) linked up as a duo after the break-up of a previous band, The Art of Amputation soon 
became a trio as the pair began writing and recording their debut EP. Realising they needed another guitarist to realise their explorations inspired by the likes of Weezer, Pixies, The Beatles, and David Bowie, they recruited Mark Hyden (guitars, vocals). Next Freddy de Lord (keyboards, vocals, saxophone) was enlisted with subsequently their acclaimed self-titled EP unveiled in April this year. With a line-up now completed by Tim Harrod (vocals, percussion), the band unveil their new single, a release which as mentioned does not take the listener by the scruff of the neck but as it smoulders vibrantly, leads them into a sultrily twisted seduction which in turn recruits a keen appetite.
Distorted Pop Song emerges from a distant horizon, keys and sonic endeavour light smog which spreads as the song nears and mellow vocals glides resourcefully across the senses. In full view the song becomes a rich and thick tapestry of emotive vocal hues and evocative melodic colour immersing a heavier rhythmic and shadowed enticement. It ebbs and flows with bulging waves of sound and enterprising textures to toy with the imagination whilst its blustery climate and provocative embrace comes superbly lit by voice, keys, and exotic flames of sax.
Its companion Californian English has a more indie rock essence to its breath and presence, thoughts of Editors coming to the fore as the song opens up a persuasion of jangling guitars and flowing keys around a great varied vocal enticement. Again there is a rich and dense atmosphere to the song, psychedelic breezes colluding with jazz and rock intrigue for an enthralling weave of sound. With slightly more bite to its presence, the song is the peak of the pair but both tracks of the single standout and raise a hunger to know and hear more from the band.
Alongside the darkly enchanting EP, The Art of Amputation’s feistier new single reinforces their impressive emergence whilst showing further adventure and character to their songwriting and sound. The single is not the spark to a fire in passion’s belly but definitely a richly satisfying stoking of their embers from one of the more exciting prospects within the British scene.
Distorted Pop Song/ Californian English is available digitally now via Ruby Music @ http://www.rubymusic.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfAmputation
RingMaster 17/11/2014
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