INGLORIOUS
Some genres, subgenres, and general trends in music are, without a doubt, ephemeral and cyclical in terms of their popularity. It could be argued that hard rock (and metal) has bypassed the ephemera associated with other styles, as the big hitters of the genre have never wavered in their tenacity and concomitant success (if success is not solely measured by record sales etc), which has perpetually paved the way for a constant flow of newcomers, some of whom have sustained their own enduring appeal. In recent years, however, there does seem to have been a bit of a noticeable boom in retro-styled, rock acts emerging, which is kind of an anachronism, given the relatively young age of some of these. That's no bad thing, of course, as a select few will transpire to be the genre's future flag-bearers when stalwarts of the scene can rock no more. The latest act to build their musical identity upon rock of yore are Britain's very own Inglorious.
Mixing up tried-and-tested hard rock motifs with a soulful twang, this bunch of newcomers have succeeded in crafting a series of compositions that are both compelling in their raw energy and wholly engaging through their melodically driven impetus. They even manage to forge a degree of epic rocking atmospheres with songs like 'High Flying Gypsy', 'Bleed For You' and the title track. Remarkably, and impressively, their eponymously titled debut is, effectively, a live studio recording. Each instrument wasn't tracked individually; rather, what's heard on the album is the band letting rip in the most natural and dynamic of ways, with all instruments tracked simultaneously. There are no overdubs either, apparently. It's an admirably brave move for a debut, although one that's worked a treat. This is an album that's literally bursting with sonic vigour and emotional energy. From instrumentations to vocals, it all works a treat. Frontman Nathan James' richly emotive and expressive voice fuses both rock grit and soulful warmth to perfection, be it over fast paced numbers like 'Warning' or down-tempo tracks such as 'Holy Water'. And the lead work of guitarist Andreas Zäta Eriksson is verging on virtuosic in terms of both technicality and feeling, but without one ever compromising the other.
Based on their mightily impressive debut, Inglorious certainly have the potential to become flag-bearers for the genre. And, despite the album's retro-fuelled hard rock pastiche, it somehow transcends its own genre mimicry. Sure, it's stylistically derivative, although stands strong as its own autonomous beast, such is the musical competence, energy and songwriting mastery on display here. What a band! What a debut!
Mixing up tried-and-tested hard rock motifs with a soulful twang, this bunch of newcomers have succeeded in crafting a series of compositions that are both compelling in their raw energy and wholly engaging through their melodically driven impetus. They even manage to forge a degree of epic rocking atmospheres with songs like 'High Flying Gypsy', 'Bleed For You' and the title track. Remarkably, and impressively, their eponymously titled debut is, effectively, a live studio recording. Each instrument wasn't tracked individually; rather, what's heard on the album is the band letting rip in the most natural and dynamic of ways, with all instruments tracked simultaneously. There are no overdubs either, apparently. It's an admirably brave move for a debut, although one that's worked a treat. This is an album that's literally bursting with sonic vigour and emotional energy. From instrumentations to vocals, it all works a treat. Frontman Nathan James' richly emotive and expressive voice fuses both rock grit and soulful warmth to perfection, be it over fast paced numbers like 'Warning' or down-tempo tracks such as 'Holy Water'. And the lead work of guitarist Andreas Zäta Eriksson is verging on virtuosic in terms of both technicality and feeling, but without one ever compromising the other.
Based on their mightily impressive debut, Inglorious certainly have the potential to become flag-bearers for the genre. And, despite the album's retro-fuelled hard rock pastiche, it somehow transcends its own genre mimicry. Sure, it's stylistically derivative, although stands strong as its own autonomous beast, such is the musical competence, energy and songwriting mastery on display here. What a band! What a debut!
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Frontiers Music
Album
INGLORIOUS
Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
49:05
RELEASE DATE:
19th February 2016
TRACK LISTING
1) Until I Die
2) Breakaway
3) High Flying Gypsy
4) Holy Water
5) Warning
6) Bleed For You
7) Girl Got a Gun
8) You're Mine
9) Inglorious
10) Wake
11) Unaware
2) Breakaway
3) High Flying Gypsy
4) Holy Water
5) Warning
6) Bleed For You
7) Girl Got a Gun
8) You're Mine
9) Inglorious
10) Wake
11) Unaware
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...despite the album's retro-fuelled hard rock pastiche, it somehow transcends its own genre mimicry. Sure, it's stylistically derivative, although stands strong as its own autonomous beast..."
