Dead Romantic - Voices
If you’re thinking to yourself “you know what? I’m in the mood for some angst-ridden pop/heavy rock crossover with some serious riffage and crunching rhythms” then this album is most definitely for you. Opening with an “F you” song (which is literally in the song title), it makes a good firstimpression, and sets up the tone for the rest of the album.
These guys have a lot to say, and there’s no better way to get your message across than putting it into music (imho), as many people can relate to it, whether positively or negatively. Personally, there are many things that are relatable, but obviously people are going to draw their own conclusions, because opinions differ.
Considering that this is a debut album, it makes a strong statement, and it’s not afraid to grab you by the throat and make itself heard. It’s very heavy in places, and in others it crosses into stadium rock territory. The band’s driving force is guitarist Mike Krompass, who also produced the album. He’s managed to assemble some extremely talented musicians, and there are collaborations with Zakk Cervini (BMTH, Architects, Yungblud) and songwriter Steve Diamond. The whole thing has been mastered by Ted Jensen (BMTH), rounding off the whole package.
Overall, this is a pretty damned impressive debut album, and it will be interesting to see where they go next. For nowthough, you’ll have to make do, and that’s no bad thing at all. However, I do need to add that the music is in no way romantic, so don’t be misled by the band name…. Spandau Ballet they most certainly are not!
9/10
