The sound of 2001
We’ve said it more than a few times here on Room Thirteen: where have all the ladies in rock gone? Yes, we’ve had the ethereal iciness of Kims’ Gordon and Deal; we’ve basked in Blondie’s iconic status; adored Shirley Manson’s outspokenness and worshipped at the alter of a certain P.J. Harvey. But what notable ladies have we seen of merit in recent years? So far, all that 2008 has thrown up is Paramore’s Hayley Williams, who is certainly not in the league of aforementioned cultural, musical and general icons. Where are all those strong ladies hiding to and why aren’t they making any music?
Perhaps it is because female vocals often sound a little incongruent to detuned guitars but very few get the opportunity to flex those vocals amongst the drop D’s. Exoterik, however are trying to do something to buck this trend.
Produced by John Fryer, the producer behind Him’s ‘Razorblade Romance’, Don’t Swallow can be summed up as ‘the same old rock fare that most bands of their genre spill out’. Musically, this sounds a little like the sound of rock circa 2001: all big guitars, synths and soaring vocals it plods along nicely but nothing stands out as particularly well executed or, in fact, original.
With tracks bordering on a couple of minutes over-long, the whole thing sounds a little self indulgent. Although, there is nothing which immediately annoys or sounds particularly dire, conversely, there is nothing that immediately sits up and commands all your attention. There is no need to press repeat on any track on this album.
One notable point to mention is that the band have themselves released this album which is always a plus for any band, to have the conviction and belief to release their own material and pay for all the necessary and many expenses involved in sending a release out into the world.
‘Don’t Swallow’ will not spin the earth out of orbit, put an end to war or change the face of music. Musically, it treads the same ground as a fair few other bands of the rock ilk and it does so adequately, but doesn’t inspire. You get the suspicious feeling that you have heard it all before, despite the fact that musically and vocally they are undoubtedly competent.
Singer Anneka Latta may have to wait a little longer before she gets included in the women in rock hall of fame.