In their accompanying biography, the members of this band quote many musical influences. I like the fact that they have done this. So many bands don’t like to give anything away for fear of accusation of being derivative. Just because individual members like something doesn’t mean that their band don’t have to sound like the bands they like. The band themselves have been around themselves for 2 years, and this is their debut album after a demo release last year. I learned that Never The Last Breath have endeared themselves to the public of Derby with their shows. On the strength of “The Price of Diversity”, I am not surprised.
What strikes me above all about this album is its freedom. Diversity is an apt word to include in the title. The pace is set by an impressive drum and guitar line, while there’s an underlying anarchy about each song. I Wrestled A Bear Once are one of their quoted influences, and this is apparent. Yet the songs are not abstruse or anarchic. They are indie in style, melodic with a little Punk, and are made luxurious by a superb female vocalist. Her voice, which has the tone of Madonna, is rich and feisty. But it’s the overall package and quality of the songs which count. I sensed a slight similarity with In This Moment, but there’s so much more depth here. With everything going on, the songs are both catchy and edgy.
After an opener in which I thought something was dropping off my car, we head into “Persona”, the first of the lively tracks to follow. Even when it’s toned down as on the track “Siren” this album stirs the emotions and is very much alive. Before that “Persona” is a piece of rocking Metal with a tinge of Hardcore in the chorus. It has an interesting line in harmonies, like the singer is speaking to us with the direct lyrics and with dark growls accompanying them. “Chick” is another fast and hard diatribe, this time drawing its inspiration from the worlds of Goth and Punk. Uncompromising like “Persona”, a hazy, chunky and nightmarish section precedes utter heaviness. Then it all gets mixed up. This track is interesting and unusual. Equally unusual is the alternative version of this track at the end. This time it’s heavier still and more sinister, and delivered in a Deathcore style. After the evocative “Siren”, there are three upbeat and catchy songs. The first is “Fading Out”. It hangs together well. It ebbs and flows and is typically lively and energetic. “Back Down” is also bouncy. It has a rock n roll feel with its ringing guitar work. There’s a lovely simplicity about it. At one point the drummer is left to keep it moving, which he does with great power and vigour. The vocals are similarly upbeat. The mobile “Back Down” is for dancing. “Obsideo” is another fast paced and catchy song. In common with all the other songs, there’s a fighting spirit. The track develops a more reflective tone during its course. The unforgiving nature of it and the album in general is captured in the lyric “It doesn’t matter that you’re dead, I still remember everything that you said”.
This album is short at 22 minutes so it’s a case of quality over quantity. If “The Price of Diversity” gets a good airing and the band has the chance to promote it more widely on tour, then it and Never The Last Breath will get due recognition. This unusual, lively and original work deserves to be heard.
http://www.myspace.com/neverthelastbreath
Andrew Doherty
MTUK HOME
