Dustlight - Dustlight (EP Review)

The alternative grunge rock trio, Dustlight from Bournemouth are due to release their self-titled 6 track EP this Saturday on the 8^th of July. Dustlight have been together since 2013 and their first EP was a lot more upbeat in comparison to this one, the vocals and songs in general are a lot more indie however this EP is a huge step forward in comparison to their debut; the vocals have improved and they’ve figured out which sound fits with them best as a band.

The opening track 'Conjecture' is a pre-track to 'Vicarious', the definition of conjecture goes as followed:  “form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information”. Vicarious is a more edgy grunge track, and the definition of vicarious is: “experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.” Both tracks are about meeting someone you love online then the feelings that follow when you finally meet in person; the meaning behind the song titles are really sentimental and they reflect the story behind the music.

‘Rapture’ opens like a screamo track and it almost feels like you’re just about to hear Bring Me The Horizon, it’s also a bit pop punk and emo. The instrumental has some riveting riffs and the repetitive drums create a strong platform for the track. Contradictory to how the song is sung, due to the lyrics you would think it would be performed more passionately whereas the song is sung rather passive aggressive and careless.

"I just don't know what I did to fall in love with you like this, I only wish that you could stay. Nothing seems to go my way, my rapture gone within a day, I am so uninspiring."

‘As an Alloy’ soon goes into a rather metal/grunge opening, the drums particularly standing out within this track, along with a deep bass line. Very Nirvana inspired, and a passion reflects more throughout this track, lyrics are very deep and stereotypical grunge. Although the vocals need to be more perfected on the chorus as sometimes it sounds as though the voice is being strained

“Rearrange your insides carve a little room, overwhelming beauty - I belong to you.”

 After the second chorus, a high pitched revitalizing guitar riff takes control of the track, accompanied by the drums in the background followed by a bass line. ‘Catherine Wheel’ is the best track on the EP, very alt rock/ grunge. I think a female backing vocalist would sound incredible with this track and it would be a great addition.

"You say you're a Catherine Wheel but I'm not so sure. You say you give everything to me, but I'm in need of more."

On the closing track – ‘DTF’ - you hear some punk and metal influences, this is another favourite and it completely differentiates itself from Catherine Wheel. There’s a lot going on within the track, the drums and guitars are both insane - what a song to finish on live this would be.

Due to the EP being 6 tracks (practically half an album) I think it would’ve been a better idea to have either split it in to two EP’s or stick it out and add two or more songs and release an album. However, even though the vocals were a bit off on ‘As an Alloy’, they have greatly improved since their debut EP. With musicians as talented as they are in the band I would like to hear more examples as to the extent of their musical abilities, as you can hear the potential within the tracks. A band can still be grunge and include some insane guitar solos, just think of Mike McCready of Pearl Jam and his incredible guitar solo for ‘Alive’ or Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains’ insane solo on ‘Grind'.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustlightBand
Bandcamp: https://dustlight.bandcamp.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dustlightband

The Rising – Kaleidoscope Eyes (Single Review)

The Rising are back with a second album and they are releasing ‘Kaleidoscope Eyes’ as a psychedelic teaser for the tension builder of the release. If you aren’t already aware, The Rising are an alternative rock band from Southampton and due to their eclectic range and bewildering talents they’re a band which are rather difficult to dislike. Liam Gallagher, all things Britpop, and 60’s psychedelia are what this 7-piece are about.

Kaleidoscope Eyes is a catchy, five minutes and nineteen seconds of pure psychedelia bliss; a simple yet effective track which creates imagery of riding down the highway at dawn in your Cadillac, getting lost in the beautiful eyes of the one you love.

The opening line flows very smoothly as lead vocalist Tommy Overington sings…

“Your love is like a drug, don’t wanna come down and I cant get around. I trip out on your smile, I need to rest my head for a while.”

Then when the chorus comes in, almost immediately you can get the rhythm of both the lyrics and the track itself, the best part of the track is when the synth really takes lead of the instrumental and the track endures into a psychedelic acid house takeover.

“Euphoric waves that fall like rain, start a psychedelic hurricane in my brain. One look at you and I’m hypnotised. I’m in love with you and your kaleidoscope eyes.”  

Although, lyrically the chorus is repetitive throughout the track, it works because the instrumental has a gradual crescendo along with an increase in tempo on the synth which alternates the track to make it still remain interesting and appealing to listen to. On the other hand, lyrically this track is outstanding and it almost takes you into a psychedelic wonderland, then when the tempo and tension increases and the track divulges into a bit of acid house you’re just like YESSS!  

The Rising are releasing this track on Friday the 7^th of July, but is ready to pre-order on iTunes now. No doubt the gig will be a sell-out success, if you’re out and about in Southampton on the 15^th of September don’t hesitate to drop in at their gig at the new music venue – The Loft – it will be ace. Or if you’re going Bestival they are also performing there.

Keep your eyes peeled for the release of their new album.

ITUNES PRE-ORDER LINK 

• https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/kaleidoscope-eyes-single/id1247989421