Genres in music are allow for all sorts of crossover possibility. Giving birth to many a different idea, the more daring often try to combine sub genres to create their own identity. Releasing their brand new album Cvlt As Fvck, Death Valley High see what they might be able to in the way of genre alchemy.
[tracklist]
1. Sunshing Cleaners
2. Warm Bodies
3. Psalm Bitch
4. Ick Switch
5. Play Dead
6. Groei Dorker (Grow Dark)
7. The Bad Book
8. Merci [Fvkt]
9. 12:13 [As Many Fvks
10. Flowers For Amy Deville
11. Tiptoe Thru The 2 Crypts
12. There Was An Old Lady
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]39:00[/length]
[record_label]minus HEAD[/record_label]
[release_date]November 4th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Lead single “Warm Bodies” follows in this electro come Rock genre that the band sit. Not quite describing the Nicholas Hoult zombie flick, the track works surprisingly well. Keeping the gruff sound of Rock ‘n’ Roll with a fuzz brings to the more Rock oriented approach that Death Valley High take on. Reminiscent of the likes of Mindless Self Indulgence, tracks like “Groei Dorker” follow a very much industrial blueprint. Whilst also dipping their toe in the pool of Electronica. Particularly with the wingers vocals sounding like a space age version of Chino. “Ick Switch” brings to mind the kind of regimented writing that dominate Industrial style bands the likes of Rammstein and Manson.
Of course the more traditional of Metal head’s will not be a fan of the record however those willing to experiment a little might see the charm behind Death Valley High. Yes the riffs might be somewhat simplistic, “The Bad Book” in particular sounding like it didnt take too long to put together but the band have a strange way of seeping into your memory. Simple use of “Woah, woah’s” work to brilliant effect. At times the band do tap into the unhinged side of things “There Was An Old Lady” a prime example. With lyrics that sound like babblings of a madman coupled with the whispered vocals as well as the harsh work on two fronts. Able to move into the indie category at a moments notice, “Merci [FVKT]” is more of a Hard-Fi style number than Ministry worship.
Despite their short run time, owing to their somewhat disjointed choruses the band can bring the attention right back to them. Ensuring each song doesn’t overstay it’s welcome the three minutes is just enough time to get acquainted. With a veritable melting pot of genres “Psalm Bitch” sounding like an eighties revamp with grunge influence, present on the futuristic outlook of Cvlt As Fvck for the most part the record has a clear sense of identity picking and choosing from the broad spectrum of genres clearly influencing the band. It won’t be for everyone but for those who like the more song oriented blend of Rock and Electro then you might find something in Cvlt As Fvck.
[verdict]Maybe[/verdict]
[why]Not overstaying its welcome Cvlt As Fvck might appeal to the more Industrial leaning of Metal heads though those with a more traditional viewpoint will probably stay away.[/why]
