Play 90 second soundbite of 'See The light' @ 'CD quality'
365kgs have been together in this form for a relatively short time and here they show great potential and should be able to move on up somewhat with this tasty album as a weapon of attack. There's good originality in the songs and some very impressive playing. The whole thing's been lovingly assembled and comes packaged in a single card sleeve with nice moody front cover artwork. So, overall 'Storm Rising' hits the mark then. Yes, but there's a but! Now, I might be being a bit picky but sometimes the vocals are just a little tired sounding; my guess is that the vocalist doesn't have total confidence in his own voice. I feel he's holding back a bit too much because he feels uncomfortable with letting go. However, many of the songs would benefit from just a bit more vocal flair. Hopefully next time the confidence and self-belief will allow him to turn it on good and proper and then 365kgs will be at their best. Minor criticism guys - I hope you take it in the spirit it's meant!!
Ok, that's all the negatives out of the way. 365kgs seem to have a natural ability to write distinctive songs that will stand them apart from many of their rivals - certainly there aint a bad one here so I guess there's more of the same yet to come. The guys allow plenty of light and shade into the mix which adds depth and quality. The occasional use of 'strings' is inspirational and takes their music to a higher level. Soaring guitar work gives a hefty dynamic over and above the acoustic as drums and bass lay down a solid and punctuative foundation. The guys create a deceptively big sound without ever losing the original plot. At times 365kgs get pretty close to being prog rock but they probably won't thank me for saying so!! Actually, the more I listen the more I find and the more I like!!
'Storm Rising' by 365kgs is a crackin' introduction to a very workmanlike and solid band. These guys aren't kids from the block, rather they've been around the block a few times to get where they are now. That experience is evident in the compositional side of 365kgs work - all thirteen songs here are maturely conceived and sensitively played. 'Storm Rising' by 365kgs is a damn fine album that only suffers slightly and occasionally from the lack of commitment in the vocal department - a small issue that I'm sure will be corrected as confidence grows - otherwise, pretty damn excellent!! I look forward to hearing more from 365kgs - they feel like they could be a bit special!!
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