Gliss 'Devotion Implosion' (ADA Global) Released 02/11/09

The title of 'Devotion Implosion' gives enough clues as to this LA-via-Denmark three piece's intentions. And whilst it could be inferred to suggest Gliss "implode" as to collapse under pressure or to lose control, they actually handle eruptions with class and control.

A wall-of-noise that could be hired as an assassin detonates in 'Morning Light' and remains throughout. Gliss don't do an awful lot to move from this explosive stance but the decibels scatter between blissed-out, mid-tempo riff-heavy numbers such as the aforementioned opening track and more pop-centric offerings, fronted by Martin Klingman's vulnerable sounding vocals, examples of which are discovered on '29 Acts of Love', the song on 'Devotion Implosion' that hits you far before the others even consider doing so.

This is what Gliss do quite well. They certainly cite their musical influences (one would state The Jesus and the Mary Chain's legacy is growing by the year) with honour and respect but they warp what's been inhaled into a more accessible package than that of the noise-heavy heroes of the past.  

But you can only do so much in that respect. 'Devotion Implosion' is so thick and furry the listener is soon blown away and finds themselves unable to re-access the album. In fact the opening two tracks are enough to win you over but what follows isn't nearly as invigorating. There's the sloppy, high-as-a-kite 'Sad Eyes', the limited and riff-reliant 'Anybody Inside' - but most of this album's faults don't come in unforced-errors, it's more about what's not achieved under the circumstances. The whole package was there: beautiful artwork that compliments the rapturous rock music to a T, a huge array of fuzz pedals and speaker-blowing amplifiers and one would imagine a decent budget. What could have been a ferocious, merciless pop-rock album from start to finish is instead top-heavy and can't keep your interest by any means. It'll take endless listens or solidified concentration to uncover the intelligent and whimsy 'Beauty', Klingman sounding swept away by sex and substances, commanding and attention-luring like Julian Casablancas is on 'Is This It'.

And many simply won't have the time to focus for hours in order to discover the merits of 'Devotion Implosion'. Whilst the band make every effort to re-create this skyscraper, blissed-out ilk of rock more listener-friendly and accessible, the genre's thick skull triumphs and the album becomes an electrocuting fence that wards you off from immersing yourself in it. Regardless, Gliss sound like they had the time of their lives making this and that much is apparent from the off.