Arcadia - Roy Philip Nohl
Italian hardcore outfit Arcadia are a whirlwind of chaotic noise on their new record 'Roy Philip Nohl'. The alternative three-piece, who have a discography that stretches back to the late 90's, storm through the rampant release with a frightening ferocity that leaves you feeling slightly stunned.
However, whilst the trio – Michele Nocentini (vocals), Demetrio Scopelliti (guitar) and Edoardo Nicodemo (drums) – are unafraid to let loose on the record, it feels as though the band still haven't settled on their sound and as a result their new full-length is an unruly jumble of genres.
"Roy Philip Nohl" is constantly stumbling through sounds and styles including everything from heavy hardcore to gritty grunge. The eleven-track album is extremely experimental and in places Arcadia are reminiscent of both punk band Gallows and alternative-rockers Soundgarden.
Album opener and title-track 'Roy P. Nohl' is definitely the mellowest of tunes on the record and does not prepare you for what is to come. The spoken introduction is dreadfully distorted, making it impossible to decipher what is being said, consequently, you are left to listen to a monotonous drone that lulls you in to a false sense of security.
As the introduction draws to a close and the momentum builds up you are instantaneously thrown into the next song, which proves to be horrendously heavy. 'I Sold Drugs To Little Red Riding Hood' features inaudible verses, melodic clean choruses, garish guitars and dire lyrics.
Disappointingly the majority of songs on the 48-minute record follow the same pattern. Particularly tedious tracks include 'Slaughterhouse Obituaries And A Love Story', 'Dead By 6 O'Clock' and 'Red Roses And Vermins'.
For the most part "Roy Philip Nohl" is ridiculously repetitive, however, there are fortunately a few tracks on the release that break the 'same song structure' mould. Both of the unexpected tunes appear towards the end of the album and are definitely the highlights of the full-length. 'Because Of You' is a refreshingly melodious and mature song that features easy on the ear vocals along with carefully considered guitar parts and dynamic drumming.
Equally enticing and enjoyable is 'Nice Pics From The End Of The World', with its vibrant verses, heavy and clean vocals and intricate guitars, the sharp song is one of Arcadia's best to date.
On the whole though, "Roy Philip Nohl" is not a brilliant record from the alternative Italians. Arcadia fail to make their harsh noise attractive and entertaining, but perhaps even more significant is that the band's previous full-lengths are considerably stronger than this release.