DEAD CITY RUINS
Let’s get this out of the way first, the cover art’s utter, utter pants and I don’t know what anyone was thinking. The artwork on the CD itself is much better and less naff (and weirdly by a different person than the cover art) but you probably won’t see that unless you decide to buy it. Second thing, these guys clearly have a passion for rock ‘n’ roll and anyone who loves their genre as much as Dead City Ruins deserve some credit and it’s to be admired. The whole thing takes you back to the late-70s scene, which unfortunately seems to extend to some of the production values as well. The levelling seems to be a bit off for the most part with the vocals being swallowed up by the rest of the music. I know he’s not the best singer in the universe but it still seems a bit harsh to try and drown him out.
Ignoring that, if you can, the album’s actually not bad. It’s more about the attitude and musicianship and there’s a punk sensibility about it that’s weirdly likeable. There’s a certain demographic that this will probably appeal to but it’s fairly niche considering they’re knocking around about 40 years too late. Although there was Latino resurgence in the late-90s so maybe old school rock’s due a comeback as well, in which case their time is now.
In terms of standout tracks, ‘Blues’ deserves an honourable mention. While the rest of the album kicks you in the face with rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Blues’ is a much more mature song that mixes in, well, blues. It builds up slowly and has less of the attitude that will probably be the marmite factor for the band in general. Other than that, it’s much of a muchness to be honest so if you’re a fan of the genre then it might be right up your street but if you’re not then there’s not much here for you, I’m afraid. Butter my arse!
Ignoring that, if you can, the album’s actually not bad. It’s more about the attitude and musicianship and there’s a punk sensibility about it that’s weirdly likeable. There’s a certain demographic that this will probably appeal to but it’s fairly niche considering they’re knocking around about 40 years too late. Although there was Latino resurgence in the late-90s so maybe old school rock’s due a comeback as well, in which case their time is now.
In terms of standout tracks, ‘Blues’ deserves an honourable mention. While the rest of the album kicks you in the face with rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Blues’ is a much more mature song that mixes in, well, blues. It builds up slowly and has less of the attitude that will probably be the marmite factor for the band in general. Other than that, it’s much of a muchness to be honest so if you’re a fan of the genre then it might be right up your street but if you’re not then there’s not much here for you, I’m afraid. Butter my arse!
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Impedance Records
Album
MIDNIGHT KILLER
Review by Siân Williams
RUNNING TIME:
44:29
RELEASE DATE:
23rd July 2012
TRACK LISTING
1) Where You Gonna Run
2) Damn My Eyes
3) My Lai Massacre
4) Midnight Killer
5) Blues
6) Go To War
7) Highway Girl
8) Fallen
2) Damn My Eyes
3) My Lai Massacre
4) Midnight Killer
5) Blues
6) Go To War
7) Highway Girl
8) Fallen
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK/Au
"The whole thing takes you back to the late-70s scene, which unfortunately seems to extend to some of the production values as well."
