I just did a search for Grotesque Gallery on Google. There is very little about the band to be found, and truth be told I got a little bit carried away with the other stuff it pulled up. A step-by-step guide to butchering a human carcass for consumption; it can really eat up your time if not careful. Let’s just say I’ve bookmarked it for future reference, you never know when these things can prove rather handy. So…yes, the band. Well, their myspace displays some delightfully gruesome pics and naming their tour the H1N1 tour gives you an idea what this band are all about; click on ‘view more pics’ and you will indeed see a grotesque gallery! So does the music match up?
It’s clear that this is a demo, and a very rough one at that so with that in mind I will try and not be too negative. There is quite a bit to like here; okay, on first listen I thought it was the aural equivalent to a huge train wreck but after a handful of listens I sort of grew to like it. Track one. ‘Neverno’ has a sturdy crunch to it although the dreadful production doesn’t really allow you to hear it too well. With the keyboards, this is very industrial in sound; it’s got a clangy, early Ministry vibe to it in parts while on the chorus they are much more atmospheric with a touch of melancholy and it works. The chorus is quite memorable and certainly the catchiest of the four tracks while the vocals flit between a gruff growl and blackened rasp.
‘Ehka Sietasin Kuolla’ opens with a mad sci-fi keyboard flourish that works into very upbeat verse where the drums are especially prominent. The turntable scratching effect around the 2 minute mark is a nice touch that suits the electro vibe of things, but while there are some attractive elements the melody is poor and rather like a bad imitation of the first track, as though they were running short of ideas. ‘Allorgy’ begins with the same crazy cosmic synths, and as the vocals kick in it descends into what I can best describe as a poor man’s Cradle Of Filth at the height of Dani Filth’s most irritating. There are some creepy atmospherics to be found and I’m sure they will come across better with the right production and tighter musicianship.
There is potential for this band, and I really hope they come back with something more professional in the future. The biggest complaint is the production; it’s obviously recorded on a tight budget. I don’t know exactly what instruments the band use, but all I can hear for most of this is the keyboard and drums – not a problem if done well but here there is something missing from the sound. Overall it comes across as sloppy and amateurish, but at the same time it’s likeable; if they can hone their playing in I’m sure they will come back with something more worthwhile in the future.
http://www.myspace.com/grotesquegallery
