A bit repetitive, but solid in places
David R Black are a 3-piece Alternative art-Rock band from Manchester, consisting of David R (ex-Kings of Hong Kong, Aniseed and Purple Effect), Ms Sarit Black and Paul Pai Williams who, surprisingly was in a band I previously reviewed called Obsessive Compulsive. I'm guessing here, but it seems that Paul must have left Obsessive Compulsive because they were too hard, too gothic or too metal. David R Black are not quite as gutsy as Obsessive Compulsive but the sound is quite heavy. There is an intelligent use of distortion pedals and the application of big bass lines, which are solid and reminded me, strangely, of Massive Attack in places.
David R Black are certainly hovering around the Brit-Pop style, along the lines of Three Colours Red or Placebo. The sound varies from art-rock, harder beats and riffs, such as in the song "No Code" to more instrumental, melodic sounds, as evidenced in "The Incident". Guitars are predominant throughout the entire album.
"No Code" has some heavily distorted guitars and the vocals take on a much more punky edge than they have throughout the rest of the album. "Jetfighters" feels much more like a classic rock song with some catchy riffs though the lyrics get a little boring and repetitive. "Shot To Pieces" starts off with a more melodic, softer guitar sequence and again, builds into something a little harder.
"Serenade" has a much faster beat, and reminds me of a more classic Rock 'n Roll style. Sadly, the lyrics are not quite as catchy as they perhaps need to be, nor are the licks particularly memorable. As its title suggests, "I Lost a Friend" is much more melodramatic than the rest of the album, and is perhaps one of the better songs, with a moving guitar solo and softer lyrics that no longer sound so strained.
I'm not so sure where this style or album fits. It isn't club music, it isn't quite "sit down at home with a few beers" music, nor is it something you'd put on when your friends are over. After a while, the vocals began to annoy me. I'm not a fan of the strained, almost twangy voice of the singer. The final song, "Hearts and Stars" simply sounds a little bit too depressing and doesn't seem to really go anywhere. David R Black are a talented band, and one can't fault their abilities with the drums and guitars. It is perhaps the content and style I am not a huge fan of. If you feel in the mood for something a little Placebo like, perhaps along the lines of "Meds" but with a bit more Brit-Rock and whining thrown in, you'll like this album.