Artist: Lethargy
Title: Purification
Type: Album
Label: Powerage Records
Formed in the year 2000 from South Wales, this quartet has already caused a stir in the music press. With the release ‘Purification’, it’s no wonder. Instantly you are greeted with swirling grunge-esque patterns coupled with ‘COC’ and ‘BLS’ southern rock charm. Vocally it’s hard not to detract from comparisons with ‘Soundgarden’s’ Chris Cornell, it can be said it’s a bit of a class act. Musically, it tends to go down the ‘Soundgarden’ route in song arrangements. ‘Bleech Bones’ is a good example of this. However, not been purely copycats, these gents mix a good dose of hard rock into the mix and throw it all out through the amplifiers. ‘A Lost Adoration’ uses a wah-wah pedal perfectly and the production is full and brings out the emotion courtesy of David Prater (who has worked with ‘Dream Theater’ and ‘Firehouse’). I have read comparisons to welsh band ‘Manic Street Preachers’, I don’t see that myself, apart from their first album, it’s definitely a bit more in the harder edged rock vein.
The toe tapping ’14:9’ is a classic rock song, flowing guitar riffs and mesmerising melodies, with a hook that grabs you like most ‘Thunder’ tracks. The guitar solo hits all the right notes without being over the top, a subtle bit of genius. Not one to be pigeonholed into one arena, ‘I See Man’s End…’ is a titanic 6-minute tune oozing talent and heartfelt emotions then if that is not enough, you have the rousing anthem in ‘Inertia’.
With a UK tour in December and an appearance at the UK’s Hard Rock Hell 2 Festival, things are looking good for this band. Judging by this release, they deserve every bit of praise they are receiving. I don’t really need to go any further describing how much I like this debut CD. It’s an album of warmth and classic rock influences with unique UK charm.
http://www.lethargymusic.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/lethargymusic
Paul Maddison
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