Review: Quasimodo - 'Liberty, Equality, Atrocity'

QUASIMODO

'Liberty, Equality, Atrocity'

SELF-RELEASED

This new Leeds-based trio made up of refugees from the recently, and regretfully, disbanded acts Action Directe and Rome Burns have finally emerged with their first EP, 'Liberty, Equality, Atrocity'. A proto-gothic post punk mix of hard guitars, jaunty keyboards, sharp-tongued lyrics and hard repetitive beats. It's evident form this initial recording that the band are opting for a “less is more” policy that isn't so much trying to reinvent the wheel, as hack it to pieces.

The six track EP is nostalgic, even a little archaic with it's raw sound and repetitive construction. But there is something quite charming about the whole thing as Joel Hayes snarls his  darkly witty lyrics over some very catchy guitars and grooving bass.
The stronger songs in the band's arsenal 'Soldier Of Love', 'Urban Guerilla' and 'Precious Thing' get the EP off to a nice start with their energetic but dignified execution. While the sinister and creeping 'Be Cruel!' provides a nice counterpoint in the middle, letting the piano take the strain off the guitars for a bit more variety.

Finally, 'Tough Love' and 'Atrocity Girl' round things off, picking the pace up again and making good use of the electronic elements but suffering somewhat from the overly fuzzy guitars that just make the mix sound rather flat.

The production on 'Liberty, Equality, Atrocity' is intentionally raw, which always has its good points and bad points. Good in that it gives the songs an nice old school sound that inevitably strikes a chord of familiarity with the listener. But bad in that it really can dull the sound of an otherwise appealing song, which unfortunately does happen on occasion here.

If you're looking for a band that will challenge genre conventions and defy expectations then Quasimodo aren't for you. If, however, you're looking for some catchy, guitar-orientated goth rock that will no-doubt translate well to the live stage, then Quasimodo will be right up your street.

Posted in: music,Quasimodo