Cure For Gravity: Cure For Gravity

The self titled debut release from Oakland, California's Cure For Gravity is billed in the press statement as progressive alt-rock. However with the term (well, kind of term…) 'alt' seemingly used to mean anything and everything these days, it's not really so easy to tell what you're supposed to expect when you see it. In essence CFG are an accessible, pop based bunch of proggers who know how to angry it up but would appear to prefer to meander and muse in melody. There's a real flow and intent to the short intro of "Tonight" which segues (as everything does on this EP) into "Sunspots", a blend of electronic and organic elements bringing a picturesque quality. Aspects of Radiohead are in there somewhere and maybe God Is An Astronaut and yet through the Roland Orzabal (Tears For Fears) like vocals, there's also an 80s feel to proceedings. It all makes for an interesting, if at times hardly demanding, listen and with much of the atmosphere created by guitar forays (which sound a little like Wishbone Ash gone modern prog), there's a contradiction in that it's easy to get swept up in the swoop of it all, but equally simple to forget you're listening to Cure For Gravity. Much of that comes from how easy and unforced the mood and feel is, although "Blackmetal" certainly adds a depth and clarity, if not in the extreme nature its name may suggest.

With a reasonably short running time it's pleasingly easy to hit play immediately after Cure For Gravity reaches its conclusion and to do so numerous times before fatigue comes close to setting in. Lead guitarist Dave Walcott tasteful and skilled, with singer (and guitarist, keyboardist and programmer) Joe Markert matching him with a poised, considered vocal performance and drummer (and cymbaler) Chris Gamper great feel and flow. Combined they make a cleverly stand offish experience much more engaging than you'd initially expect and while it may all be ever so slightly uneventful in places, those looking for depth over bombast will find this an intriguing introduction.

Track Listing
1. Tonight
2. Sunspots
3. Just Like Candy
4. Blackmetal
5. Push
6. Killing for the Queen

Added: October 2nd 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Cure For Gravity online
Hits: 1834
Language: english

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