Album Type: Full Length
Date Released:
14th
July 2014
Label:
Spora Recordz
Ten Foot Beast
– S/T - track listing:
1.I 01:42
2.II 04:43
3.III 06:45
4.IV 05:21
5.V 06:16
Band Members
Jason Erwin-Guitars
and Bass
Adam Locklear-Drums
Review:
Ten
Foot Beast do not have a singer (being in an instrumental band myself
this record appealed to me, it's always cool to see how other bands
pull it off). I noticed on their Bandcamp profile they were putting
feelers out for a singer who could “compliment their sound”.
After listening to the EP I could imagine vocals adding something, I
just hope they don't employ a screaming maniac who doesn't allow the
music to breath.
First
thing I noticed: Ten Food Beast have numbered all their tracks using
Roman Numerals. Something that has been done by plenty of bands in
the past but let's not get caught up in silly little details, I'm
here to tell you what this record sounds like and give you my (not
so) expert opinion.
A
5 track, self titled EP that begins with 1 minuet and 42 seconds of
what I would describe as survival horror soundtrack ambience. The
samples rear their creepy little heads throughout the duration of the
sonic journey, adding a spooky undertone and creating a flow that
links each track. I quite like this sort of thing and is seems to
work well.
As
soon as the first (proper) tune comes in, with noises dragged through
from the intro, you hear the stoner-rock influence. A muted chug that
builds, adding layers of delayed guitar strikes that come in from
different angles. I got the feeling that Ten Foot Beast don't just
listen to Stoner-Rock/Metal, there are obvious influences from bands
like Russian Circles and maybe a hint of (not so low tuned) Omega
Massif. There is a strong pace and some excellent riffs, backed by
alternating guitar parts and sparse lead breaks that are set back in
the mix. So far so good.
Track
three doesn't mess about, a very short feedback squeal and we're off.
At least for a few seconds until the song breaks down in to another
atmospheric section...then back to the heavy. There's good use of
dynamics and the quality of playing is plain to see, I just wanted
more variation.
So,
next tune....slightly heavier again. A driving riff that, again,
reminded me of various other bands. There are changes; an unusual
jazzed out part and some clever use of guitar noises. The crescendo
is a half timed beast, slow and powerful. Probably the most enjoyable
track so far. (there is a cello in the mix but I didn't pick it out
until the second listen).
EP
finisher (V) continues the dark Post-Rock theme, starting with
delayed plucking and a waterphone adding an extra layer. Again, it's
a sound that's been used before but they do it well. The entire song
is like an uphill climb, a build that comes to fruition at the 4:11
mark. The outro is another stop start affair that fizzles out in to
fading feedback.
Ten
Foot Beast are a good band. They are good musicians and they've
obviously spent time putting this EP together. I just can't get away
from the feeling that they've remained in the safety zone, not
stepping outside of a well worn stoner/post-rock path. Don't get me
wrong, it's good music...it just needs to be more of their own. I'm
looking forward to what comes next and will be keeping an eye on
these guys. I bet they slay it live!
Reviewer:
Keeran Williams
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tenfootbeast
Bandcamp:
http://tenfootbeast.bandcamp.com/
Thanks to Spora Recordz for sending ourselves a promo to review.
