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13 May, 2013

Celestial Fury - We All Float Down Here Pt. 1

Celestial Fury - We All Float Down Here Pt. 1 (song review) |self-released, single, 2013| 5/5

Djent is a relatively new music genre, derived from metal. The music scene needs a variety of genres not just to categorize bands and market songs but also to form new subcultures. These new subcultures will often speak for an entire generation, its interests and dislikes. The Djent style may grow to the size of Grunge (which to me was the last meaningful and well tagged landmark of a Rock subculture) or may be left only in hands of those passionate about it. However, it's undoubtedly one of the most intense styles of music locked within usually instrumental, experimental arrangements, characterized by polyphonic rhythm and performed with low tuned 6, 7 or even 8-string guitars.

"We All Float Down Here Pt. 1" is a song drawing on Djent roots. The idea is based on two musical themes. One covers a Post-Rock intro, arranged for gentle sounding guitars. There are traditional folk music influences weaved into acoustic guitar sections. Alasdair Cooper, who wrote, performed and produced the track has been living in the Scottish Highlands.
The other line creates the core rhythm, brought by a low tuned 8-string guitar and drums. It is further enriched with a few solos as well. Both cleverly interlace the composition throughout it’s 5 minutes duration.

A collision of soothing Post-Rock with distorted sounds, Djent may seem to stay in sharp contrast but in fact the one underlines values of the other. Such an amount of digitally processed, syncopated riffs may sound overwhelming but they become riveting when broken with lighter (but by no means melodic!) parts. Moreover, it may be not difficult for some to make Djent, but it's hard to say if there's any limit where an experimental composition should end. Such is the case with "We All Float Down Here Pt. 1" a new section based on polyphonic tunes could be easily added to the track as long as it's kept far from being tedious.

However both Djent and its close neighbour, Progressive Metal need skilled guitar players to make it significant. Alasdair, 20 year old guitar player from Glasgow, UK sounds like the one, judging by the way the composition evolves it’s many peaks and bridges. The guitar roars, spins and cries in his hands. Having spent over 8 years playing the instrument, this self-taught musician should definitely stick with this career path. His favorite bands include Opeth and Meshuggah but also Periphery, Uneven Structure and Vildhjarta. If you enjoy these, you should also listen to Alasdair Cooper.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, May 13th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)

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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine

06 May, 2013

Dead Day Revolution - Children of the Night

Dead Day Revolution - Children of the Night (song review) |self-released, On Our Own, 2013| 5/5

Los Angeles based trio, Dead Day Revolution was founded by Mike Sandoz (vocals/guitars) and Skeeter Joplin (drums) in 2009. Bass player, Cristian Sturba joined the band soon after. This viral and actively social collective of musicians has been working on a debut album for the last two years. Here is it’s foretaste.

"Children of the Night" is a title well known in both literature and music. The original song, by Dead Day Revolution sounds truly passionate. It is performed with a rebellious drive, quite typical in Punk-Rock music. How else would this style of musicians express their opinions if not making it loud and noisy? Yet the vibe remains positive.

The track starts with noisy guitars that basically take the lead. The riffs are then joined by solid, memorable vocals. Mike purposely vibrates his voice like John Lydon (Sex Pistols) to create an impression of impatience in this already high-energy song. Impatience is a key characteristic of getting ready for an action. Whoever has an idea and is driven towards making changes will feel impatient, wanting to make them happen. Thus, these musicians make a call to action instead of expressing their views through passive criticism.
It should be also mentioned that both drummer and bass player perfectly cooperate throughout the entire song, very well mixed and produced by Larry Goetz.

This track is short enough for a radio exposure (3:24) but extensive in its detail as well. The composition utilizes a method of balancing moods through slowing down the rhythm in the other half. Without it, the song might have sounded overwhelming to a listener's ears due to its fast tempo.

"Children of the Night" has hit potential as well, since it is repetitive but by no means boring. If you're looking for music similar to what's been offered by Green Day, Billy Idol, PIL or Smashing Pumpkins, you should give a listen to Dead Day Revolution too. Their music will not only fit your personal playlist, but college radio stations as well.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, May 6th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)
On Fabryka Magazine: http://industrialrock.net/php-files_en/articles.php?article_id=480

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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine