Dolium - ‘Kisses Fractures’ (Parlour 9) Released 09/05/05

You’d be forgiven if you thought that you were listening a demo from this band on the first play, but on a second you might change your mind.

The harsh distorted electronics are professionally put together in to one controlled mass that’s as infectious as it is uncomplicated. Strong bass lines that are built on in simple layers, as in ‘Whore Whore’ which has a particularly in the open, in your face sound. ‘Stesso Destruction’ has one of those riffs that guitarist Reece Adamo fires off with terrifying rapidity and monotonous regularity that would drive you crazy if you had to listen to it on repeat. If you want to torture yourself then this is the track for you.

‘Unity (Feels Like The End)’ on the other hand sounds like sex on stage- multilayered and with a guitar twang that’s like your first slight of suspenders; this number is the one with the most impact on this album. De Vines’ voice washes over you in a contrast to Adamos’ electronic drawl. The vocals in this album will either make love to your brain or drive you mad, particularly in ‘Broken Nose, Broken Home’.

The more commercial ‘Kisses’ with its minimal lyrics, fast pace and beat you up sound is never the less an invitation to taste some of the darkness that lurks at the heart of this music. ‘Had A Friend’ takes you into a more private viewing of this band, as in places the music reflects an introspection of the individuals. ‘Godspeed Your Love To Me’ has that out of your head feel when you don’t really know who you’re talking to or why. Perhaps this is why there is not the cohesive quality about this one that is displayed elsewhere.

This is a dark, ‘there’s something out there in the night’ album, and love it or hate it, is never the less is undemanding, unpretentious and exquisitely intense. Simplicity and clever communication mark this sound, which for some will be too similar as each number could melt into the next. There is also an underlying question here- ‘have I heard something like this elsewhere?’ Yes, but not all at the same time or in the same place. Think snare drum punk, try Human League vocal depth and more recently compare the sound with The Barbs. This is an album that really needs airplay to get noticed, but it definitely deserves it.