Review by Andy Law
Outside of exceptionally talented guitarist/lead vocalist
Andrew Groves' exceptional bad luck with snapping guitar strings (Halloween
blues, maybe?), Arcane Roots sweep out any such technical cobwebs with a
high octane, energetic stage show.
If tonight's evidence is anything to go by, progressive
is the new cool in alternative rock these days; healthy, in the interests of
continually re-energizing this vital and cutting edge genre (and of course,
keeping Radio 1 happy). Vocally, Arcane Roots mix it up between
falsetto, screams and lung piercing notes really rather well, while musically
they particularly impress on the broken down, slower numbers, bringing so much
more substance out of the band.
Mega melodies, beautiful tunage and beefier choruses are
all the end product of this change in tempo. Call it standard melody, if you
like, but it works - it always has and always will. Outside of this, and the
impressive backing vocals, subtle virtuoso guitar breaks (note the Van Halen
esque tapping on several tunes) and the Arcane Roots formula of
aggression meets progression sadly doesn't really mark any new territory on a
highly populated scene. Currently working on an album and sure to be stars on
Radio 1 with single Resolve, success may already be guaranteed, but to
these ears the bands greater strength has yet to be fully realized.
Serving up luscious vocals with pretty, progressive
rhythms and seismic bass grooves, Camp Stag open things up with a
warming twist. 'Ultimate chilling music' volume 5 meets with enough dynamic
shifts to get the foot tapping, while hammond organs are as at home as a
candyfloss at a fare.
Walking With Broken Bones is a
particularly inspiring effort, as painstakingly impressive as the title, and
with a mouthwatering chorus hook, single Sirens is the one you simply
can't ignore. To such a point, it prompted The Fortunas (on Sound cloud)
to brand it 'the best track by a local band for months'; although a bit like the trademark red
swimsuit without Yasmin Bleeth, it leaves you wanting more than the bare three
minutes on offer...
The e.p. title track When the lights come down
throws an atmospheric guitar solo into the mix, the final flourish adding to a
set where you can't help but admire the textures this band creates and the
effortless vocals that lead the way.
For the fans out there the set list was Matilda Please / Walking With Broken Bones /
Northern Dream / Call It The Flame Sirens / When The Light Comes Down
On route via an epically dodgy 80's intro theme music,
pushing us to a close are the venue filling Dry The River. With no less
than six band members - including a violinist, twin guitars and keys - Dry
the River are one of the most strictly musical bands these ears have heard
in years. Three part vocal harmonies are full of folk vibes, violins flow
indulgently into delightful acoustic guitars and choruses are often memorable.
This is, of course, coupled with keyboards to pad the whole thing out and
electric guitars to add to the musical maelstrom.
Perfect for a relaxed Summers evening or a log fire on a
cold winters night, the bands onstage chemistry doesn't go unnoticed either;
with more guitar changes than Gangem style single's sales and a bassist
Scott Miller who screams 'metal band side project' with his constant poses, its
as entertaining as it is enchanting.
In the way of height, hair and even voice,
singer/guitarist Pete Little bears an uncanny resemblance to Justin Hawkins -
and although individually 99% falsetto free vocals would admittedly be better,
collectively it works with the harmonies.
Such vocals can either be considered dated or timeless; besides the
point, really, as what really counts is the songs, and on this front Dry The
River are a joy. Additionally, any band who can drift seamlessly into
performing with only three lonely voices and an acoustic mike free cannot fail
to win your admiration.
So, there you have it - a band of authentic musicians,
with real singing and real atmosphere, performing well written songs. If that
doesn't get us all singing from the same hymn-sheet, little else will - and
that's why, irrespective of what is flavour of the day or what genre it is, we
live and love great music.
If you'd like to treat your ears, then Shallow Bed (Acoustic) is out through RCA Victor via
Digital Download 17th December 2012.
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