There are times when a reviewer’s life is not an easy one, and this is one of those times. Here I have the second album from an instrumental quartet (who use a couple of guests sparingly – including some great brass from terry Edwards on two numbers), and I’m really not sure how to describe it. Saying that it is an incredible piece of work that grows on the listener each and every time they play it probably doesn’t give enough information. Saying that they have large math rock influences, obviously have spent a lot of time listening to Robert Fripp, and are an incredibly tight outfit also doesn’t really state what these guys are about. In Stuart Marshall they have a drummer who can keep it simple, or can turn into a demented Keith Moon when the need arises before getting back to business and providing something like a simple drum roll. Bassist Kevin Feazey often employs one of the filthiest bass sounds I have heard in a while (think of a distorted Chris Squire), yet he can also tone it down both in sound and attack, and knows when not to play at all and provide space for the twin guitars of Matt Stevens and Steve Cleaton. Having a rhythm section that can play such a huge melodic counterpoint gives a great foundation for these guys to go off and have a real blast.
Complex, intricate, all over the place yet always making sense as they go from one motif and style into another, these guys use dischord and disharmony as close friends to really stress what they are doing. In some ways this is quite a close relation to free jazz as they bound along and keep throwing musical ideas out here and there and seeing where they will be led. To discover that this was recorded in just four days is incredible, but probably explains the life and vitality that is prevalent throughout. If you like your music to be cutting edge, yet melodic, hard rock/metal yet progressive and full of jazz influences, or if you just want to discover yet another amazing band then you need to visit their site at www.fierceandthedead.com and find out some more for yourselves.
