Unbridled arousals and stomps: exploring The Conniption Fits.

Formed in 2004, The Conniption Fits create their own ear catching mix of alternative, progressive, and indie pop; rock ‘n’ roll which rouses the senses and imagination and has so across a host of releases. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Silversun Pickups, U2, The Police, and David Bowie and having shared stages with artists such as Weezer, Panic at the Disco, Kings Of Leon, Train, 3 Doors Down, Fastball, Mighty Bosstones, 7 Mary Three, Blue Oyster Cult, Mountain, Warrant, and Cinderella among many over time, the New Hampshire hailing trio make a noise which easily sparks the appetite. Grabbing the chance to learn more about the band, we had the pleasure of chatting with member and The Conniption Fits co-founder Stevens.

Hello and thanks for taking time out to talk with us.

Can you first introduce the band and give us some background to how it all started and what brought you all together?

That’s a long story.  I’m Stevens Blanchard, lead singer guitar player for The Conniption Fits.  The drummer, Shawn Snyder and I met back when we were kids.  My current band needed a drummer and he was a friend of a friend, not to mention a fantastic drummer with tons of attitude.  When that band broke up, we founded The Conniption Fits.  Jamie Hosley, or bass player, came along when we were looking for a new bassist.  Again, he had a reputation as being “the man” when it comes to bass, naturally we had to have him.

So The Conniption Fits is not the first band for you? Has previous projects had any impact on what you are doing now, in maybe inspiring a change of style or direction?

I think I just answered that above, but yes.  We had a previous band, Motorplant, which did quite well for about 8 years.  You can still find all of the music that Motorplant produced all over the web including iTunes and Spotify.  When Motorplant disbanded, we wanted to head in a slightly more alternative direction.

What inspired the band name?

If the conniption fits, wear it.

Was there any specific idea behind the forming of the band and what you wanted it and your sound to offer?

Far from it…We just enjoy playing and entertaining.  As far as the sound goes, I just want to create ear candy.  Songs with depth sonically and lyrically that are accessible and a bit unpredictable at the same time.

Do the same things still drive the band when it was fresh-faced or have they evolved over time?

Always evolving…You can tell album to album.  Every record seems to represent where our minds were at musically at that period of time.  I’m always hearing new bands that are doing really cool things that we want to incorporate into our own stuff.  I’d say we listen as much, or more, than we play.

Since your early days, how would you say your sound has evolved?

We deliberately try new things.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  On our second album, A Heaping Helping of Perspective the guys thought it would be cool if we recorded live without a click track.  I hated the idea, being a stickler for tempo.  It led to a different album and different songs for sure.

Presumably across the band there is a wide range of inspirations; are there any in particular which have impacted not only on the band’s music but your personal approach and ideas to creating and playing music?

Too many to mention, from Jazz to Metal…Speaking for myself I’d say bands like Nothing But Thieves, The Shins, Bear Hands, Coldplay, Eve6, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Kongos…  I love creative rock/pop/alternative songs that still have a hook, but avoid the same four chords and progressions that are so typical.

Is there a particular process to the band’s songwriting?

I am usually the idea man then we flush it out as a group.  Sometimes I’ll record the whole song then we will replace the drums and bass later. I’m into results; I don’t care how we get there.

Where do you, more often than not, draw the inspirations to the lyrical side of your songs?

Life; I’ll sing lyric variations to a demo while I’m out for a run.  I usually find cool ideas that way.  I also hear the parts that suck and need to be changed.

Can you give us some background to your latest release?

I Need You (Ay-O) is an old relate that became new again when it started treating on-line. We’ve always loved the song and are happy to have it finally breaking through the “clutter”.

Give us some insight to its theme.

I need you is about wanting to leave a relationship, but continuing to be drawn back in; then dealing with the fact that needing somebody can be for very different reasons.

Are you a band which goes into the studio with songs pretty much in their final state or prefer to develop them as you record?

I own the studio we record in.  It’s an amazing luxury because we are not “on the clock” burning money.  So we just show up with nothing and play.  Often I’ll have scraps of ideas ready to jump off from.

Tell us about the live side to the band, presumably the favourite aspect of the band?

Yeah, live is where we bring it.  We entertain.  We always have a great time and that usually transfers to the audience.  It’s also the only real way we’ve made any money.  So we play live to survive, and we love it.

It is not easy for any band to make an impact regionally let alone nationally and further afield. How have you found it your neck of the woods? Are there the opportunities to make a mark if the drive is there for new bands?

Not easy, but work hard and offer something great.  It doesn’t even have to be unique, just great.  Make people say “holy shit!”, and you’ll do fine.

How has the internet and social media impacted on the band to date?

The internet grants everyone access, even the garbage.  I think we handle it well, but there is that constant drive needed to stand out in all the noise.

Once again a big thanks for sharing time with us; anything you would like to add or reveal for the readers?

Check out our website, http://www.conniptionfits.com/ to listen to all of our songs for free and look for our new EP this summer!

https://www.facebook.com/conniptionfits/  https://twitter.com/conniption_fits

Pete RingMaster

The Ringmaster Review 01/07/2016

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

I Plead Irony – The Solution Is The Problem

Just a handful of months short of three years ago, UK trio I Plead Irony uncaged one of the most rousing and creatively imaginative rock ‘n’ roll albums heard that year and to be honest since. This Statement Is False was compellingly equipped with ferocious and virulently contagious alternative and punk rock roars which, though frequently acclaimed, never quite got the rich attention it and the band deserved. Fair to say though, the Farnborough hailing band was certainly recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging bands by a great many. Now the biggest spotlights are under serious tempting once again with the release of the band’s second album The Solution Is The Problem, it another creatively raucous and energetically incendiary slab of sound and invention to get lustful over.

In many ways, The Solution Is The Problem takes over from where its predecessor left off; imagination stirring and inventively mischievous songs to the fore but swiftly it reveals the broader landscape of creative tenacity and imagination now colouring the fresh maturity in songwriting and sound. Managing to provide more of the riveting same whilst unleashing a whole new character of insatiable adventure, the album is an inescapable arousing of spirit, imagination, and greedily devouring ears.

Formed in the early days of 2011, I Plead Irony was a growing force on the south eastern live scene from its first steps. Sharing time with its members’ other projects such as Ipanema, The Fins, Atomic Garden, and Welcome The Howling Tones, the band released This Statement Is False in 2013, their debut mixed by French producer Guillaume Doussaud. It awoke a new wave of national ears and appetites to the presence of the band and in turn a new host of fans to excite with their renowned live prowess. Now The Solution Is The Problem is the bait to really stir things up; an enticement which has all the qualities and potential to make the threesome of vocalist/bassist Rauf Jordan, guitarist/backing vocalist Paul McDonald, and drummer/backing vocalist Lawrence Arnold, the name on eagerly sharing lips and recommendations.

The album impressively opens with Tiny Violin which enters on a rusty cinematic coaxing. Soon after, a wiry guitar invitation winds around ears, hefty rhythmic swipes and a brooding atmosphere soon in close attention. In no time, the track is strolling with eager intent through ears, the excellent vocal presence of Jordan leading a thick mix of textures and flavours busying themselves within the song. There is a touch of Hundred Reasons meets Japanese Fighting Fish to the track, a spice within a sound which is swiftly and increasingly recognised as prime I Plead Irony. It is simply superb, a rousing and dramatic proposal thick in emotion and intensity entangled in strands of inventive endeavour.

The potent expanse of diversity within the album is soon beginning to reveal itself with What If. From vocals to sound, it carries a rockabilly meets melodic rock ingenuity which simply seduces as the track, with the bass on the front foot, prowls ears. Hooks litter every lure of the song’s invitation whilst a virulence of emotive and creative dexterity infests the imagination and psyche. As its predecessor, the track is aural gold and an unstoppable manipulation of the body and listener participation, much as Not The Face which follows straight after. It too is quickly in command, its buoyant infectiousness aligned to imposing aggression and anthemic tenacity with a Billy Talent like resourcefulness to it all.

Already the album is an addiction in the throes of success and strongly backed by the feisty persuasion of Sisyphus and even more so its successor Just A Machine. The first of the two is a relatively reserved and reined proposal but with the bracing edge and slightly cantankerous nature that frequents the I Plead Irony sound. If without sparking the same lusty response as those before it, the sonically fiery song has ears and pleasure full before the second of the two steals the limelight with its Foo Fighters toned incitement. From the delicious crankiness of the bass and the lung roaring vocals of Jordan through to the maze of off-kilter dynamics and ever evolving energy, the track is an anthem to stir the passions and a tapestry of unpredictable invention to ignite the imagination.

What’s Best For You bounces along next with a Jimmy Eat World infectiousness and agitation though yet again any references offered are mere hues in a thick slice of I Plead Irony originality, as evidenced by the rumbling rock ‘n’ roll of Unsung Champions straight after. Jordan and Arnold needs little time to create a web of rhythmic seduction and intimidation which McDonald binds in melodic and sonic enterprise as the vocalist’s vocals shine with narrative and expression. There is nothing about the song not to greedily like; every chord and rhythmic roll the prelude to a theatre of discord lined imagination and spirit inflaming flirtation, it all honed into rock ‘n’ roll alchemy.

The body is soon lost to the addictive shuffle and contagion of Prove Me Wrong; its imposing catchiness wonderfully aligned to a metal inspired trespass as magnetic as the track’s virulence is epidemic like. The song is also another reflection of the bigger and bolder landscape to the band’s writing and invention, an aspect pushed further by the equally intrusive and dynamic Divide[…]Collide. A tenacious snarl is never far from the surface, even as a melodic saunter works with the darker tone of voice and emotion , but similarly the band’s striking imagination is consistently there leaning in on every unexpected twist and resourceful turn of the excellent encounter.

The Solution Is The Problem is brought to a thrilling close by firstly the web of intrigue and galvanic textures making up the Kill The Crow and finally Tragedy Debut, a glorious slice of punk ‘n’ roll which sends the listener this way and that whilst having them, like a puppeteer, physically and emotionally dance. Both tracks hit the sweet spot with the closer especially exhilarating with its invasive and memorable theatre of blues, punk, and muscular alternative rock.

Such the might of This Statement Is False, it was never going to be easy to follow it up but The Solution Is The Problem makes light work of the challenge with its bigger and bolder, not forgetting thrilling plateau of invention and persuasion

The Solution Is The Problem is out now via Rose Coloured Records @ https://ipleadirony.bandcamp.com/

http://www.ipleadirony.com   https://www.facebook.com/ipleadirony   https://twitter.com/ipleadirony

Pete RingMaster 12/04/2016

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Elements – Where We Once Begun

The band’s bio states that this year a line-up change for UK alternative rockers Elements has coincided, maybe sparked, a new sound from the band. With their new EP Where We Once Begun our introduction to the Southampton hailing quintet, we cannot say if the shift is dramatic or subtle, but for sure thanks to five tracks of rousing rock ‘n’ roll, their new release shows it has been a potent one.

Formed in later 2013, Elements quickly made a mark locally with their self-titled debut EP and a live presence which has earned them a reputation as one powerful proposition and seen the band share stages with the likes of Bad Rabbits, The Afterparty, DEAD!, Ashestoangels, The Hype Theory, and Public Service Broadcasting. As mentioned the band has recently undergone a personnel change which, taking the Phil Gornell (While She Sleeps, Bring Me The Horizon, Me Vs Hero) produced Where We Once Begun as our evidence, seems to have lit a fire in the creative belly of the five-piece.

   Once EP opener Shaman storms through ears, rapidly stirring up enjoyment and appetite, the band without being wholly unique, reveals freshness and adventure to their music which just grabs attention and sets them apart from the masses. Fair comparisons have been raised to bands such as early Biffy Clyro, YouMeAtSix, and Don Broco but there is plenty more rippling through songs suggesting something individual to Elements. The first track aligns winey blues wrapped tendrils of guitar with a flirtatious almost electro shuffle which is not too far away from the persuasion Blondie once blossomed. It blends well, the song brewing a virulent tempting to which the skittish beats of Ash Martin and the dark lures of Max Bakker’s bass add their own potent seduction. Vocalist Graham Rogers is just as vibrant and inviting, his powerful tones backed well by those of Bakker and guitarist Ollie Butler who alongside fellow string craftsmen Robin Small spins a web of hooks and melodic spicery to match. It is a contagious riot of sound and energy, and a quite irresistible start to the release.

High Time For Being Free comes next, emerging without a breath from its predecessor with its own brand of sinewy riffs and heavily coaxing grooves ridden by the vocal roar of Rogers. As the first track, it leaps on and bounces through ears with an infectiousness which is muscular and tenaciously anthemic, whilst showing a different shade of colour to the band’s sound. Major surprises, as across the EP, are not open bait yet there is again that fresh air and rich enterprise to it which only lures you in deeper before Plotting Treason Or Saving The World uncages its own chest beating anthem littered with blues honed grooves, merciless hooks, and a sultry air which dynamically ignites in a blaze of the chorus.

Up next is the melodic shimmer and emotive energy of Make It Out Alive which takes release and listener into another new landscape of sound and adventure. Again the imposing strength and sonic muscle of the band is a heady proposal but employed in a new strain of sonic fire and provocative drama. The track does take a little longer to grip but leaves a flavoursome and inventive taste in the mouth before Torchlight brings the EP to a fine close with captivating and aggressive melodies courted by tangy grooves and flaming vocals.

Where We Once Begun is not going to set the alternative rock world back on its heels but it does announce Elements as one of its more exciting emerging bands, so much so that already there is a tingle of anticipation for their future something akin to that felt when Jimmy Eat World first broke.

The Where We Once Begun EP is available from August 17^th through all stores.

RingMaster 17/08/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Celeb Car Crash – ¡Mucha Lucha!

Fusing a great blend of nineties rock and pop punk into a modern alternative rock invention, Italian quartet Celeb Car Crash have a sound which feels simultaneously fresh and familiar. It is a mix which makes their latest EP, ¡Mucha Lucha! an adventurous but equally, an instinctively enticing proposition. Bringing three varied and fiercely magnetic slices of melodic rock ‘n’ roll to bear on ears and appetite, the release alone suggests that Celeb Car Crash are pushing towards major attention.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Nicola Briganti, drummer Michelangelo Naldini, guitarist Carlo Alberto Morini, and bassist Simone Benati, Celeb Car Crash emerged at the end of 2012 and quickly set about recording their first encounter. Ambush! was unveiled in the April of 2013, backed by the video /single Dead Poets Society. Gaining strong attention from fans and media alike, the album was supported by an extensive tour across Italy, Switzerland, France, and the UK and shows supporting bands such as Gotthard and Coheed and Cambria, all reinforcing the emergence of record and band. After another well-received single the previous year, 2014 saw the band again concentrate on tours and shows, ending with Celeb Car Crash winning the Red Bull Tourbus contest against 1700 other entrants, resulting in the band playing three shows as support to Lacuna Coil and the chance to record a new single. That was to be Because I’m Sad, the opening song and lead to the ¡Mucha Lucha! EP.

     Backed by two unreleased tracks on the EP, the Olly Riva and Mario Rice produced Because I’m Sad gets things off to a gripping start. From its opening coaxing of acoustic guitar and the swiftly magnetic voice of Briganti, the song has ears in the palm of its hands, especially as the gentle opening soon sparks a feistier burst of rhythms and riffs. Quickly blooming greater colour and richer tempting through spicy hooks and anthemic enterprise, it continues to evolve, breaking into a tenacious canter reminding of bands like Everclear and Jimmy Eat World. It is a recognisable essence though which only adds to the potency and arousing drama of the song, and indeed its virulent infectiousness.

The following Next Summer has a more hard rock endeavour to its character but also a rhythm and blues spicing which has thoughts of Graham Parker hinting as it continues to explore its wiry walls and throaty canvas. Sharing the same boisterous energy as its predecessor and ripe with melodic flames and catchy hooks, the song shows another hue to the songwriting and sound of Celeb Car Crash, a raw and dirtier toning bred from more fresh and varied sources of rock ‘n roll gripping the imagination.

The EP is completed by ¡Adiós Talossa! (tututu), a sultry seductive affair from the off with warm emotive coaxing cast from the trumpet of Damiele Ravaiolli. Growing and blossoming with every passing minute, the bewitching track grows into a grungy pop punk affair around a compelling rhythmic stomp. Whispers of Green Day, Nirvana, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and again Graham Parker all seem to collude as a thicker aural colour continues to enrich a captivating encounter spawned from the band’s own invigorating ideation.

The opener and closer definitely steal the show upon ¡Mucha Lucha! but the thoroughly enjoyable Next Summer also shows that Celeb Car Crash have real variety and depth to their music and writing. A little late to the party, the EP is actually our introduction to the band but one which has sparked a keen appetite to see where they go next. An intrigue we will surely not be alone in.

¡Mucha Lucha! is available now via Sliptrick Records through most digital stores.

http://www.celebcarcrash.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CelebCarCrash/

RingMaster 22/07/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard on Reputation Radio @ http://www.reputationradio.net

 

 

 

Brightlight City – Adventures EP

The Adventures EP is a proposition which might not be going to set the rock world ablaze but with three tracks of virulent alternative/melodic rock, the new release from Brit tunesmiths Brightlight City is still likely to be a greedily devoured feel good encounter. It is one of those incitements easy to turn to for an energetic and feistily contagious time. It is not changing the landscape of rock ‘n’ roll but definitely the release gives it a healthy dose of feisty enterprise.

The Surrey quintet began in 2014, swiftly releasing a trio of songs and embarking on mini tours across the UK. Inspirations come from the likes of Hundred Reasons, Million Dead, Foals, Yourcodenameis:milo, At the Drive-In, Refused, Biffy Clyro, and Jimmy Eat World, spices evident in the band’s debut EP Breaking Straight Lines which was recorded with producer Jason Wilson (You Me At Six, Fightstar, We Are The Ocean, Reuben) and released last October. Now the band unveils its successor, Adventures, which was also recorded with Wilson. As its title hints at, the new EP explores new aspects to the band’s sound; the band recently commenting on the release with “Adventures is an EP, as the title suggests, that takes the listener on an adventure; stories of late nights, life, death, love and society all set against the instrumental back drop of a massive alternative rock sound.”

    The release opens with new single The Finish Line, and instantly sparkling guitar bait is sunning itself in the imagination as rhythms provide a sturdy and darker company. The vocals of Jamie Giarraputo similarly are a warm and vibrant invitation, nestling perfectly in the weave of enterprise cast by guitarists Justin Giarraputo and Jono Staunton. The track strolls along with an endearing quality and a catchiness which really sparks in the addictive chorus whilst the resonating bass of Dan Stubberfield adds further potent magnetism alongside the punchy beats of Ben Bell which punctuate all the hooks and melodies with relish.

The following I’m Only Good At Adventures backs up the impressive start to the EP with its own infectious swing and dance on ears. Once more hooks and melodies seduce, though with less impacting bait than found in its predecessor. Nevertheless the song is an easy to consume and get involved with proposal of rock ‘n’ roll warming up ears and appetite for the outstanding closing track.

Reaction is superb, from its opening earthy groove and dirty riffs attention seizing bait which never loosens its grip even when slipping into a slow caress of voice and melodies. It is just the teaser though for the contagion to follow, bass and beats prowling with a glint in their eyes as guitars spin a web of imaginative melody clad temptation. Vocally Jamie Giarraputo is just as magnetic, his delivery carrying a gentle swagger to match the bass groove and sonic devilry seducing ears and imagination. Jimmy Eat World is mentioned as an inspiration and there is no escaping the similar potency of hooks and enterprise within the song to the US band’s greatest moments.

The track is irresistible and brings an excellent release to a masterful close. Listening to the Adventures EP, it does feel like Brightlight City is still searching for their truly unique sound. When it happens though and if songs carry the same qualities discovered on this new encounter, it is hard to imagine anything stopping a global success.

The Adventures EP is out digitally from May 11^th and physically on the 15^th May.

http://www.brightlightcityofficial.co.uk/   https://www.facebook.com/brightlightcityofficial

RingMaster 11/05/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard on Reputation Radio @ http://www.reputationradio.net

Diamond Days – We’ve Come A Long Way

Swiftly proving the growing buzz around them is bred from rich potential and an invigorating sound, UK alternative rock band Diamond Days are poised to release their We’ve Come A Long Way EP. Made up of four songs which burst with creative vitality and exuberant invention, the encounter is a captivating proposition which reveals there is still plenty more to uncover within the band but that they are knocking on the broadest spotlights already.

Bursting out of Liverpool, Diamond Days took time from forming to hone their sound before unleashing debut single Start It From The End. It was from there that the clamour over them began, the track drawing over 60,000 views and more than 20,000 followers across YouTube and Twitter swiftly from its unleashing. Backed up by a hunger to play live and just as potent stage performances, the band has earned a growing fan base and acclaim, being compared to the likes of You Me At Six and Fall Out Boy. Diving back into the studio to record their EP alongside producer Seb Berrios, Diamond Days have taken the next impressive step in their ascent, a rise which though still early days you can see finding rich horizons.

The EP opens with the outstanding Let Go, a track emerging from a distant and potent enticing to stride with sinew driven rhythms and drama clad riffs. It is soon exploring inventive scenery as electro spiced keys and sonic intrigue lurk to tease the imagination as the impressive vocals of guitarist Alex Fearn open up the narrative. He swiftly proves himself to be a stylish and accomplished provocateur as he leads the senses into a virulently catchy chorus, whilst his and the guitar of Tom Shepherd continually provide a fiery weave of melodies and sonic intrigue across the track which the rhythmic enticing of bassist TJ Jackson and drummer Mark Highdale punctuate and spear with skilled and energetic tenacity. The track, which has to be a single at some point, is an inescapable contagion for feet and emotions, its blend of ferocious and seductive adventure superbly marshalled by the vocals and crafted by the invention of the band.

The following Home (A Million Miles Away) also has a punch to its entrance and body though it is not quite as instantly commanding as its predecessor. With electro essences around a spicy and wiry tapestry of guitar endeavour, the song is soon taking its share of attention and emotions though. It has a bounce and confident swagger in all aspects which shines like a beacon in the heart of the encounter, whilst its infectious character is as sublimely persuasive as the song’s melodic textures and theatre

Featuring Harry Radford of Yashin, I Rewind lays down its own striking slice of melodic incitement and addictive vivacity next. Evolving around a great throaty bassline, the song flames and soars with vocal and sonic voracity, exploring new flavours and creative shades along the way. It creates a compelling web which is like Dead Til Friday meets Always The Quiet Ones, whilst is pop punk dynamics have a spice of Jimmy Eat World to them. Its rampant enticing leads into final song You’re Not Alone, an undemanding but again intriguing pop rock escapade revealing more of the inventive and melodic resourcefulness of the band. Though it does not quite have the spark of its predecessors, due to their impressive qualities, the track still leaves appetite wanting more and anticipation boiling up for the next encounter.

We’ve Come A Long Way is a treat of a bigger introduction to Diamond Days which without quite showing the band with a distinctly unique voice right now, has all the evidence to suggest it is coming and that we are set for more hunger feeding adventures ahead.

The We’ve Come A Long Way EP is available from 17^th November via http://diamonddaysuk.bigcartel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DiamondDaysUK

RingMaster 16/11/2014

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Larusso – Life in Static

Immersed in a mixture of creative alternative rock and contagious pop punk, Life in Static the new album from US band Larusso is one healthily appetising proposition. Not a release to set crowds screaming from rooftops maybe but one to bring energetic life to any solitude drenched night or raging festivity, the album is a thoroughly engaging proposition with some quite tasty encounters within its vibrant walls.

Hailing from Salt Lake City, the quartet of vocalist/guitarist Aaron Condrat, drummer/backing vocalist Justin Trombetti, guitarist Nick Sasich, and bassist Tyler Grundstrom have earned and built up a potent fan base and attention through a series of self-released EPs and albums, as well as their live performances which has seen the band play with bands such as The Almost, Go Radio, Transit, The Ataris, Finch, Dance Gavin Dance, and Cartel. Also regulars at local festivals and having played the Ernie Ball stage at Warped Tour, Larusso finds itself with a lively buzz around them to which their new album will certainly do no harm.

Chase the Sun starts the album off in vivacious style, hooks and melodies an instant coating to keen riffs and jabbing rhythms. Vocally too the song shines immediately, the tones of Condrat backed by Trombetti, smooth and harmonious. It is not a startling encounter but one showing the musical strength and songwriting craft of the band as more than accomplished and seriously catchy. The track strides with ripe enterprise before making way for The Voice. As its predecessor, it too carries no real urgency in its gait and attack but makes for a catchy and captivating slice of rock pop with excellent vocal prowess and tidy hooks within a melodic breath.

Things suddenly spark more thrillingly with Drifter, a track offering irresistible hooks from its first touch and unpredictable endeavour throughout. Like a mix of Jimmy Eat World and Brand New, the song flows and strides with a delicious creative appetite to the vocals and swinging grooves to the sound. The bass of Grundstrom brings a snarl too which adds to the appetite awakening potency of one of the album’s most impressive propositions. Its triumph is not quite matched by the next up Daniel with an L, but with its emotive melodies and almost melancholic air the track still captures the imagination with ease. As evidenced by it alone, there is nothing flamboyantly excessive about the band and its songs but they push do push an eager invention across increasingly persuasive and riveting exploits.

The evocative caress of Living Proof comes next with guitars casting a weave of expressive chords and melodic colour as Condrat adds an emotionally intimate lyrical narrative. The track is more a lead/intro to the current single The Recovery than a standalone prospect, its successor a crooning incitement which makes for a warm and skilful if not a passion stirring companion. Again it shows the impressive craft of the band in composing, playing, and imagination though but lacks a spark to make it more than a pleasing encounter, certainly when up against the more impacting tracks on Life In Static. Nevertheless ears are satisfied before turning to Places and Set Phasers to Fun for more adventure. The first of the two has an underlying swagger to its pop lit composure and intent, but tempers it with an evocative smoulder of emotion and sonic intrigue whilst the second shows another fun side to its sound and band with its acoustically led playful romp. In the hands of other bands, the song might feel like a filler but Larusso give it a smile and grace which makes a very worthy and enjoyable inclusion to the release.

Collision Course is another big highlight with its feisty riffs, mightily swinging rhythms, and agitated yet contagiously coaxing grooves. As across the album it is fair to say there are few real surprises, the song no exception but the band does dig out and explore essences of sound and familiar ideation which is fresh and invigorating. The superb offering is followed by the emotive balladry of Take Me Away where keys, orchestral strings, and vocals impress even if overall the track simmers rather than flames, something Dear Pandora manages to achieve with addictive tenacity. Thoughts of Amberlin edge forward as the song stomps with acidic grooves and biting hooks whilst melodies and harmonies make another inescapable lure. It is an enthralling success setting up the finale of Chemical. Also acoustically sculpted, the closer is a mesmeric piece of design and expression, and a much more potent and gripping encounter than Take Me Away which lingers and shows another corner and depth to the band which would be good to see explored more in the future.

Life In Static is a richly enjoyable and magnetic release which shows why the buzz around Larusso in their homeland; a spotlight easy to imagine broadening dramatically with the album. It is not setting new templates but for melodic rock with a pop ingenuity, band and album is well worth a long look.

The self-released Life in Static is available now @ http://larussorock.com/product-category/all/albums/

larussorock.com

8/10

RingMaster 15/08/2014

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard from

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