Neo-Ritmo are one of a fresh wave of alternative rock bands from Bristol that are working hard gigging all over the city and spreading word of their music at a rapid and unrelenting pace, and so far it seems to be paying off for the four-piece, who formed in late 2009. They were recently finalists in the competition to support Bon Jovi at Ashton Gate Stadium, and although they didn’t end up as winners, just to get so far in the contest shows that they are an accomplished band with a sound that is very much their own.
The band’s debut album, ‘Experience Precedes Essence’, is a group of seven songs which live up to the promises made by the title. The guys really do seem to be experienced musicians who have taken their time with their sound and not rushed these songs out. You can hear the care taken with every note played and sung, which shows that valued essence can be gained once heart and soul is poured into a craft.
Album opener ‘A Fraction of Forever’ starts with grungy guitar and quickly becomes a booming heavy track, surprisingly with some thrash metal chugging before the vocals kick in. Once they do, it’s hard not to be taken along on the ride Neo-Ritmo want you to join them on. There are some beautiful solos with interweaving scales for the last minute or so that are a joy to behold.
Next track ‘Between Stars & Dreams’ starts with some top-notch riffing and progressive drums, the whole affair reminding me of something Biffy Clyro would have included on an early album. The vocals are strong here, especially during the chorus, which is a real sing-along affair. There’s definitely something very Myles Kennedy about lead vocalist and guitar player Jason Watts, which lends to the grand scale of the songs. When the song takes a more downbeat turn, it’s still very absorbing to listen to, and fades to a close ceremoniously.
‘Condemned to Be Free’ again shows off the musicianship of everyone involved, and it’s during this point that I realise I can’t get enough of the vocals on these songs. They are striking at times, but never over-done, fitting in humbly amongst the guitars. Every now and then a note is hit that feels like it shouldn’t have been there, but overall it just feels right. This isn’t their strongest song on the album, but it’s good enough as an uplifting rock song with a modest yet proficient solo at the end.
Next on the album is ‘The Great Submission’, which is the shortest song on the album, and for me, the least satisfying. The production values seem a little less graceful on this track, although that could be my imagination. It’s a standard song in the mould Neo-Ritmo have created for themselves, but unfortunately fairly forgettable in my opinion.
Hoping for better things and perhaps something a bit different, I go into ‘Frayed, So Afraid’ positively after hearing the opening acoustic guitar and the brilliantly sung lyrics. As the song kicks in, I can’t help but feel like I’m listening to an early Pearl Jam demo, although of course Eddie Vedder’s voice is way too distinguishable for me to be actually convinced. This is a strong song and shows that the band are as good songwriters as they are musicians. The quiet/loud transitions are perfectly done and by the time the song ends I feel a sudden urge to want to see this band live.
It’s that heavy Biffy Clyro sound that rushes to my ears as ‘Dreaming Infinity’ kick-starts. Think of something that the Scotsmen would have released on ‘Blackened Sky’ or ‘Infinity Land’ coincidently, and you can imagine what kind of Neo-Ritmo song this it. There are stop/start moments here that are done really well, and a softer section in the middle of the song which is impeccably placed. The outro riff is one of my favourite guitar moments on the whole album. It’s not a bombastic solo or an elaborate rock riff, just a delicate solo played over some intense progressive rumbling instrumentals.
Final track ‘Meet Inside’ is the ballad of the album (well for at least the first half of the song) and forgive me if you hate that word. If I was going to stick with the Biffy Clyro analogies then I’d say this is the band’s ‘Machines’, but ignore that last sentence if you think I’ve overdone it with those comparisons. Guitars screech into something a lot more monumental and anthemic, before the album draws to a melodic and serene end.
Neo-Ritmo are a talented band and this album is something they should be proud of, no doubt a group of songs that have the potential to get them far. I would’ve been happy if Neo-Ritmo were chosen to represent Bristol music at the Bon Jovi show, as they really do show off what this city has to offer, but as they weren’t they’ll have to wait until they get a chance to be heard by the masses. ‘Experience Precedes Essence’ is an album that should be listened to if you get the chance to and I’ll be sure to catch them live at one of their gigs in the near future.
No comments:
Post a Comment