A spark of the pupils
Upon listening to Snake Wine, you might think that Light Pupil Dilate are just playing more of the hardcore metal that is so abundant these days... or are they?. Snake Wine is well done, and does not fall short in quality from other bands I listen to which are similar in style. Snake Wine is also, without comparing it at all to other albums and bands, quite an accomplished album. So, what’s new about this release? Well, they put small twists into their songs to maintain interest, and change riffs throughout each song. They change pattern, rhythm, and time signature while maintaining the continuity of the song carefully.
There aren't any songs on here that particularly stand out, but there are several moments that make me think this band is onto something. Regrettably, they do not develop it to something deeper. It is a fine and well played album and more than just a decent release, but Light Pupil Dilate are just at the start of creating their own sound to differentiate themselves from the pack. The seeds are there, but they need to be better cultivated.
They state in their Myspace that they blend elements from classic metal, progressive rock (King Crimson, Yes), punk, hardcore, and 90’s D.C. rock. The hardcore, punk, and metal parts I understand and agree with. The music can only be called progressive, however, in comparison to their peers, and also progressive in the sense that it does not stagnate on the same repetition all the time. While the influences certainly are there, this is not a full-fledged progressive-metal band.
How do they differentiate themselves from all other bands out there playing in the same ball park? An answer might be found in songs like "Big Open" and "Selfless" where they shift a bit from their hardcore and punk roots to something that really does blend all those influences into one (and here I can agree with the term progressive, though I still have hard time finding KC or Yes in there).
I am sure, however, that fans of hardcore and atmospheric metal (sludge) would like this album. I found myself liking it more with each listen; especially the songs in which the band seems to go beyond the customary trademarks of the genre. This is a good hardcore album with some variety to the usual hardcore sound. While the effort is commendable, they still have room to grow and develop their own sound.
I can recommend Snake Wine to fans of this style and to those looking for an extension of it. If you’re looking for inventiveness, creativeness, exploration and a different sound, then this might satisfy you. If you’re just looking “to rock”, then by all means give Snake Wine a listen.
| Reviewer: Assaf Vestin Added: September 28th 2007 |
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