Review Summary: The return of...
Four years have elapsed since Cairo Knife Fight dropped any new material. During this large gap, drummer/frontman Nick Gaffaney has switched a couple of writing partners and teased us with a couple of singles. While he kept the duo format, the music has inevitably gone through some changes. Gone are the long, layered compositions that made up the previous two EPs, in favor of a more accessible, radio-friendly material. Although the psychedelic touches have also been dropped, these new cuts still benefit from the same stoner-edged, hard rock approach.
Initially announced as a full length record,
The Isolator ended up as a 5-track EP that continues Cairo Knife Fight's winning streak. These shorter tracks echo several QOTSA eras (from the spaced out
Rated R to the dark
Lullabies To Paralyze) with their infectious, often robotic grooves and falsettos. The fat bass tone and the chunky guitars reminisce Hermano and Fatso Jetson too. Take for example 'No Longer Silent' or 'Cleaver', two intense numbers that boast some soaring guitars and really catchy choruses. The former mixes great heavy riffs and distorted bass lines, yet the gorgeous vocals are the ones that truly lift this song, becoming one of their finest moments so far. 'Cleaver' focuses more on the interplay between the drum fills and cool mid-tempo, stop-start guitar patterns. Once more, Gaffaney's voice works its magic, adding some lovely harmonies. Meanwhile, the sleazy first single, 'Rezlord' proudly wears its glam influences. Nick follows the stomping main rhythm with a deeper tone, while the entire song gradually gets louder and louder to a crushing coda. It would very easily find its place on
Songs For The Deaf.
The atmospheric, dub-influenced title track and the awesome, rock-n-roll'e closer, 'So Much More To Give' are just as strong as the aforementioned cuts, however, there's quite a big disappointment you have to face when you reach the end. Cairo Knife Fight feel like one of those bands that could easily fill an entire album with essential tracks and once more they abstained from actually presenting one. Maybe they want you to constantly hit replay or be on the lookout for new material, but an LP would help cement their reputation and prove their huge potential. Meanwhile, enjoy this excellent effort.
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