| CD REVIEW Sideburn |
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Band : Sideburn One of the finest labels for those with a liking for 70s influenced stoner rock is Swedish label Transubstans, whose latest releases (Blowback, Oblivious, The Graviators) maintain the quality and reputation with energy a-plenty. Sideburn are one of the best, period, that I've heard yet in this genre. Sideburn’s brand of riff rock has not changed much, but better songs, better hooks and better production give The Demon Dance a healthy advantage over its predecessors, their debut Trying to burn the sun (Beard Of Stars) and their second The Newborn Sun (Buzzville). Though it doesn't provide any drastic change, it is quite enjoyable all the way through reminding me of the classic work of Rainbow, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Gas Giant, Half Man, Spiritual Beggars, Big Elf,… These three guys know what melody and open, honest beauty is when it comes to song construction. They use mellow moments to change things up a lot amidst the low grooving, yet melodic, sonic walls they display. Sideburn may have a heavy Sab(b)otage-edge to them, but they also know the value of a smartly Led Zeppelin III executed hook. As a result, more than a few songs on here are quite memorable. Most of the songs are given a boost with Dio-like vocal melodies that are very appropriate for the music. While I do find some of the hooks and compositions to be a bit mediocre, the honest play and genuine passion of the band salvages even the weaker tracks. When the band clicks on all cylinders, they really know how to write a great song. The Demon Dance is made of 10 tracks totalling a little over 50 minutes, and they go by pretty fast, leaving me craving for more, and with no alternative but to replay the album. 92/100 Cosmicmasseur. |
