Review Summary: Surprising debut album that proves that, indeed, ultra-heavy music can still be refreshing
Spectrum, debut album from Canadian group Starring Janet Leigh (SJL), has everything going against it. It's the latest addition to the ever-increasing roster of mathcore/hardcore acts, trying to make an impact. You've heard it before, and quite frankly, you're sick of it. But in order to judge a band you have to listen to them, even if 90% of the time you will be disappointed.
But the thing is
Spectrum turns out to be, in fact...pretty good. Actually, it is a
very impressive album, for a genre getting more stale and generic as we speak.
Album is grounded in mathcore, with a blend of death metal, progressive and hints at jazz-y music. Nothing really new, but the mix sound indeed fresh. For a debut album, it shows a notable grasp in dynamics, never staying too much in MAX level, giving the songs (and the listener) enough room to breathe. The slow parts never drag nor cause a loss in momentum, and are quite tasteful. This helps the music to never sound boring or noticeably tiring, and for an album overwhelming heavy clocking in at almost 50 minutes, the band displays considerable talent at keeping the listener’s interest.
Guitar work provided by SJL’s guitarist duo is consistently insane: crazy, dizzying and apparently-random riffs are found everywhere along with skull-crushing, pummeling guitar riffs, always inventive and well worked. Musicianship is top- notch, with awe-inspiring drumming as its backbone and singer Matt Nimmo's vocals on par with his band mates, keeping up with the intensity. Songs structures are, as expected, unusual, but manage to be effectively cohesive and focused. Never forced or too trite, the band shows solid songwriting skills and confidence at what they do. Not in vain they have been playing together since almost six years.
If anything, the album suffers from not being completely original, and sounding several times as a Dillinger Escape Plan's lost album. Still,
Spectrum succeeds in having an addictive, powerful sound, though it’s apparent there is room for development and improvement.
The bottom line is
Spectrum delivers from all fronts. It sounds more mature than a lot of bands’ third effort. This is heavy music than can be both heard and dissected, having more in it than just sheer heaviness and predictable breakdowns. It’s the band saying: "we are here, and we can do better than most bands". Starring Janet Leigh is an exciting, surprising new band that most likely will attract more attention in years to come.
A noteworthy album.
3.7/5
Starring Janet Leigh are:
Matt Nimmo - Vocals
Matt Zadkovich and Chris Sokoloski - Guitars
Justin Brown - Bass
Aaron Pozzer - Drums
My Space - http://www.myspace.com/starringjanetleigh
