Band : Symphony Cult
Album title : Rewind To Fast Forward
Label : Casket Music - Copro
Distributor : PHD - Bertus
Release date : 28/09/2009
Release : CD

Having given you a complete history of the band (which wasn’t really that much at the time) when I reviewed this band’s debut single Speak When Spoken To (actually a 3-track EP, review posted 29/10/2008), there’s nothing more for me to do than to fill you in on what’s been happening since! For starters, the single got 3 “K”s in UK’s leading Rock & Metal magazine Kerrang! in October 2008.

Since then, the band went on 3 UK tours, two of which with internationally renowned bands Sevendust and Kittie, something which evidently upped the band’s visibility and profile considerably, as many of the tour’s gigs were in higher profile venues than the band was used to play at up to that point. The band also played at the second stage of the 2009 Download festival in the UK, and was invited to perform at Germany’s Taubertal and Eschwege Open Air during Summer. During the early days of Summer the band apparently also recorded their full-length debut in Hannover, with production coming from Wille Dammeier (Dimmu Borgir). Prior to the release, the band started a UK tour with Inme (started September 16 and went on til October 4). Early November will see SC do three shows in support of Katatonia, before heading out for a 16-date UK tour in support of Breed 77.

In conclusion, and just to put Symphony Cult in its rightful place in musical terms, I’d like to use the band’s own description of their music: taking influences from bands such as Alice In Chains, Alter Bridge, Incubus, and Skunk Anansie. The latter especially with frontwoman Charlotte Lubbock’s strong vocal presence in mind! And on myspace.com/symphoniycult, you can check out what that means (5 songs off the album posted). Wanna see the band in (recorded) live action? Check out the video section of the band’s own website symphonycult.com (regrettably, the sound quality ain’t too good)!

Anyway, I’ve mentioned with the review of the EP that I was wondering what a full-length would sound like…and now I know! Actually, I’m not really impressed, because while each and every songs knows to captivate the listener’s attention (and to me that were especially those which have Charlotte doin’ her own backing vocals), the full length of the album is somewhat much to consume in one session. Yeah, I’m afraid this is an album which needs to grow on the listener, and much time is something which this over-worked music critic doesn’t have. Nevertheless I must’ve given the album a good 5 spins in the cd-player…at least! End conclusion? Ehrrr…rating slightly less than the EP!

86/100

Tony.