Issue 17 - Page 170
My first impression with Cruel Acrobat's latest 3 track EP was one of confusion. Before listening to the music I read their biography on their MySpace page and it says they make "challenging and different music that they enjoy playing and challenge people's opinions". Now maybe it's because I'm going through a prog phase again recently, but from that description I was expecting technicality on the level of King Crimson and Gentle Giant, or maybe at least Pink Floyd.
But what I ended up with listening to was three incredibly solid tracks, which certainly are different to what is normally played out there now days. But on a technical level? It failed to set anything alight.
First track "Running Around the Abyss" utilises the 'soft verse / loud chorus' mechanics really well. This tired mechanic is normally butchered into boredom by more mainstream band, but the difference here is that the soft sections transits smoothly into the loud ones, as opposed to being 'forced', and changing just for the sake of it.
The bass work during the soft sections are also worth a mention as the catchy bass lines stands out and dances along seamlessly with the music. It makes a refreshing change from other bands where the bass lines are usually reserved a place at the lower end of the mix.
"The Larger the Space Between Friends" is an upbeat country style track that plods along at a leisurely pace. Again, the bass work shines well here and the effect laden guitar work also works well within the context of the song. Instrumental sections between vocals are simple yet brilliant and guitar solo outro reminisces of David Bowie, albeit heavier. Another solid track.
The third track "Cloud" is perhaps the only track that goes part way in fulfilling the promised technicality. The song builds up from soft to explosive towards the end via several musical phases that just flows together. The vocals and backing vocals deserve a mention for the well executed harmonising found in some places. Then after the explosive instrumentation the song ends on heavy guitar chords. If you are going to listen to one track by these talented guys, then at least listen to this one. Definitely the highlight of the EP.
Like I said at the start, if you excuse the lack of high end technicality, the songs are killer and worth a listen to. With all the members being ex-musicians of established Sheffield bands (Crazy Fire Yellas, Electric Tape Recorder and Atraiou to name a few) the musicianship is expectedly solid.
[most original typos lovingly preserved - (M)Ed]
