Released
1998
Label
Self Released
Reviewed by
Kim Alexander
Contact
Stormdrain
Ph/Fx/24-hr voicemail: (408) 294-7945
Visit
Last Edit/Update
02 May, 1998
Stormdrain
Tongue
Track Listing
1. Degenerate (5.33) 132bpm
2. Tongue (6.14) 78bpm
3. Plague (4.42) 105-125 bpm
4. Air To The Throne (6.38) 87bpm
5. Fiend (5.14) 99bpm
6. Deeper (2.34) 78bpm
7. Sarcoptes Galekjn (5.07) 89bpm
"From San Jose, CA, Stormdrain's dark industrial-
crossover generated wide appeal and international recognition with its self-titled demo in
late 1996.
Though still independent/unsigned, the young act has attracted the attention of both major
and independent A + R, as well as major motion picture studios for soundtrack work.
With the assistance of producer/engineer Norm
Kerner (Faith No More, Jewel), the band recently finished Tongue, a new 7-track EP, as
well as a music video for the previously-released Loophole track. The band is negotiating
with indie labels and distributors, for possible release of a full-length
multimedia-enhanced album and touring later on.
Currently, Stormdrain is
working on their second music video with producer Mike Hendry (One Vision Studios). The
band hopes to move advance units of the Tongue EP (cd-r audio only versions), and generate
income for merchandise production, promotion, and eventual return to the studio, possibly
to work on a full-length LP."
Stormdrain
is not necessarily easy listening music you'll hear in your dentist office, but they do
have the means to melt you into a mello mood. Some of the tracks, if not most of them,
would go over quite well on an industrial radio show or in the dance club. (Keep in mind
however I have by no means "heard it all", and if there is anyone who has,
and you're reading this,email me right away! ;) The sounds within are very original,
so I like it.
Track one, Degenerate, is
guitar driven, fast paced (think you can keep up with it?), well produced as is the entire
CD, clear minimally treated vocals on key, good lyrics "Never did anything to
YOooouuuu.....I did what you wanted, you WANTED!", a well rounded composed. It
reminds me a bit of Germ-boy in Black Ocean Drowning's
work. Tongue takes a little different direction with a slower piece, shifting
drums sway back and forth, synthy dark backdrop, sexy vocals, lyrics and breathing(!). I
have to say the guitar work on this release is very well done.
The sounds evolve from the topic of
degeneration into Plague, a quite "industrial" sound, quirky synths,
great beats, shaved short bursts of (I think) rhythm guitar and basslines, and creative
vocals. Good for the dance crowd. Not too heavy, not to light, "You're insane, you're
the blame!". Deep solo drum pounding and exotic wavey vocals creep their way into the
Air To The Thrown, and shift into a tribal beat with super percussion with
winding guitar and synth sounds from hydraulics overlayed with what conjures up voices
crying out from the deep jungle...another good dance song.
Fiend is yet another track
exposing the diveristy of Stormdrain's talent. A slower
sub-jazzy bluezie composition, hi-hat, deep moving guitar, drums, vocals that bring a
sence of threat to the overall sound and meaning, yet you could still dance to the Fiend
or sit back and groove to it..."Da da da dooo dahhhh....".
Track six pushes the talent of Stormdrain
even Deeper into a darker eville sound of ominous keyboard manipulations, deep
crashes in the background and the female vox vocals gently and sweetly leading the way.
The final track on the CD, Sarcoptes Galekjn, is an experimental mix of drums,
bass, lead guitar, synth and again female vox vocals chanting with a man (sampled
perhaps), crying out in the background. Another good dance song, eerie, smooth,
techno-edge infused with guitar...
Overall this band is rich in talent, they
vary in sound, they are original in their compositions and well on their way to a full
length release I HOPE! If you find them playing live out in or near San Jose California,
get out and support them.Watch soon for an upcoming interview with Stormdrain.
