hAND: Breathing

hAND a British based trio release their second album Breathing. My initial thoughts were soon blown out of the water when I pressed the play button. I wasn't prepared for what I heard, what was presented was nothing short of stunning, music that covered a myriad of sounds whether it was instrumental or ensconced in vocals, the impact was impressive. In all honesty diversity is the order of the day and the band doesn't fail to deliver on that score.

The musical styles the band visit tread the world of Doom Metal, Goth and alt rock with distinct progressive overtones, being complex but not over bearing, which keeps the whole affair rather interesting. As a package musically the approach is well structured, intriguing, mature, interesting if not somewhat melancholic as it presents itself. At times the vocals do somewhat become samey, which is a small price to pay because the adeptness and quality of the music / musicianship that works alongside Kat more than compensates for this. To be perfectly honest the last statement is not meant as a criticism, as her vocals do offer emotion to the music giving it all an added depth.

As an album this is a rollercoaster ride that has many highlights which includes "Mimicry", a melodic and at times sedate musical interplay, "Flee" a dynamic and well balanced song with some fascinating guitar work from Kieren Johnstone, a powerful and in your face "Fate Sewn On" and the instrumental "The Neon Hero" a perfect culmination of the bands prowess.

This is definitely a band to keep an eye on, if this is anything to go by, then they have a bright future. Turn up the amp and enjoy.

Track Listing
1 Song Number B
2 The Pier
3 Mimicry
4 Flee
5 The Neon Hero
6 Supersonic
7 Fate Sewn On
8 DB Blue
9 Re-Animation

Added: August 14th 2011
Reviewer: John OBoyle
Score:
Related Link: wwwhandtheband.com
Hits: 2065
Language: english

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