Certainly not flogging dead horses
This latest E.P release from Watford technical metallers Sikth is basically a glorified single of the song 'Flogging the Horses' from the album 'Death of a Dead Day' released earlier in the year. The disc contains the Japanese bonus track 'Each Other and Ourselves', a couple of demo tracks and a remix of 'Where Do We Fall'. As with all E.Ps there's always contention as to their actual value. If you already have a copy of 'Death of a Dead Day' with its bonus track and have little patience with electronic washed remixes of metal songs, then all you're really paying your money for is a couple of songs that didn't make the final album.
So is it all worth it? It's noble of the band to pack this single with extra goodies, and quite frankly it's worth buying on the strength of the tracks 'Flogging the Horses' and 'Each Other and Ourselves'. Both tracks are top draw, perhaps sounding less chaotic than their usual style, especially that of their debut album. Even first demo track 'Grind Choke' is a more controlled Sikth, it's less manic and more melody driven than their usual fare and works brilliantly. The production quality of the demo tracks is only slightly less than the usual normal release. With the nature of Sikth's weird core music it helps that the production is crisp and clean, especially with 'The Plan is Lamb' that goes back to the band's usual crazy delivery. But soon the song weaves its ever-changing musical tapestry to create a quite emotive and accomplished song.
'Where Do We Fall' remix is pretty irritating with its electronic tendencies and leaves quite a bitter taste in one's mouth after the enjoyment of the first four tracks. It does sound like someone has messed around too much with a great song, the phrase 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' should be applied in this instance. Nevertheless, 'Flogging the Horses' is a smart release by a smart band containing four great songs and a fairly duff one. It's up the individual fan whether they want to part with their cash for this release. If you haven't got at least three of the track listing then get your money out and hand it over the counter at your local record store. Great stuff.