Archive Shorts Part 3
Friday 15th of August 2008
Archive shorts isn't about antique cocktail recipes! It's our attempt to wade into the CD backlog and clear out some of the older records.
Since January 2008, we've done our best to review all demos that meet our submission guidelines in less than two months, and we've done rather well.
In order to achieve that though, we had to draw a line under all the old stuff. However, worry not as we'll be clearing out as many of the oldies and any new stuff that doesn't meet the guidelines as we can using our brand new Archive Shorts section. Here's the third instalment...
Crimson Flight - Who Is Dr Croc EP (2006 - Self-Released)
Bubbly, crisp pop songs with light summery tones. Some dodgy moments on lead guitar and an unusual voice detract from the songs, which themselves are just okay. In need to some drive and uniqueness. 5/10.
Life Sentence - Doctor Death LP (2007 - Phuk Music)
Star pupil in both screamo and metal classes, with some really haunting and beautiful instrumental pieces to strip away your preparation for the sonic onslaught. Blasts, screams and squeals its way through eleven massive songs. 8/10.
Parhelia - First Light EP (2006 - Self-Released)
An instrumental band from Dublin who have some beautifully composed atmospheric songs. The drums and bass are so solid and intuitive, the guitars are free to sparkle. You have to be very, very good to write instrumental songs that don't sound like they're just waiting for the vocals to be added and there's enough interest here to suggest Parhelia have done it! 7/10.
Two Out Of Three Rule - Really Elementry EP (2007 - Self-Released)
Caught somewhere between The Cranberries and The Beautiful South, this is a sparse pop sound with a sweet vocal. A very unassuming pop record, but charming nonetheless. 7/10.
Semi Royal Blood - Shout Across Houses EP (2006 - Self-Released)
A real gemstone of a record. Lush rock with pop sensibilities and an emotionally shattering delivery. Cracking release with tons of potential. 9/10.
Author: Steve
Found in: Record Reviews