Getting Level With The Devil
OUCH! My ears! Gosh, this one came with the blue touch paper already lit. I’ve literally jumped out of my seat; my cat is not too pleased either. I guess it’s down to business then, no pussy-footing. I thought this was going to be easy; but when has the human condition ever been easy. In a society reeking trauma of one sort or another this is a timely reminder of the horrors we face. A very different approach, musically, but necessary nevertheless.
I’m glad to know that the production on this record has been placed in the capable hands of Justin Hill (Heart of a Coward- love these guys), and not an idiot like me, Lord only knows the car crash I would have created. It is great to see so many artists addressing issues that affect everyone; it can be seen as the band exorcising their own demons, and through their endeavours, we the fans, can level with our own devils.
The Five Hundred have let us inside their world, as they struggle through their own hardships, and use music as a means of recovery, rehabilitation and as a vehicle to relay important messages.
Opening with the title track, the pistol already having been fired, we venture down the rabbit hole and into a world of addiction, delusion, paranoia, and other horrors. The music sends you hurtling forwards with no road map and no service station for a quick break. We advance further with “Smoke and Mirrors” where the lyric
“This is deeper than the deepest sea” catches me unawares. Simple, but hiding a decidedly profound meaning. Just beautiful.
“You don’t have any demons, they’re too scared to come anywhere near you” is a heavyweight lyric you can find in “Buried”- a kind of reverse psychology methinks. The song speeds up to generate and heighten the anger and angst that is prevalent on this record. A great time for a mental, physical, emotional spring clean, and the ideal music to accompany you.
“Oblivion” is up next, I love the guitar on this, so vivid, you can taste the agony behind the song.
“Pure evil on the throne”
It sums up the wretchedness that we suffer, and at times we feel that we are alone in this anguish. I find music is my therapy when I’m not quite with it, this is a gift for me. Thanks lads.
Out of torture comes triumph such as this; with its cunning creativity and masterful musicianship, it really is a great record.
Is that a bass-led intro on “The Noose” that I hear? I apologise but I am not musically trained, I am just fascinated with how songs are written, composed and how they are designed to excite and enthral an audience. It is really good; I’m finding that the more I listen, the more involved I become.
Track six is “Reclusive”, well it’s like someone left the machine gun loaded and it is firing at will. Me? I’m a sitting duck right now with more holes than a Swiss cheese.
“Seduced By Shadows” is next and reminds me of Cradle of Filth, it suits the tone and mood of this record. Continuing the theme of various demons that consume our existence, it twists and turns; but it is the drums that magnify and perpetuate the turmoil.
Following on swiftly is “The Narcissist”, a lovely keyboard introduction, operatic in its feel, then you get hit with the “wake the dead” vocals, which in turn transform into a gentle, consoling voice; I absolutely love this contrast in tone and arrangement. To me, this song describes how we can be enticed by something or someone and then get embroiled in horrific situations later, it evokes a Dorian Gray scenario, a hidden truth – it is so easy to get reeled in.
“I am the undead” roars singer John Eley, there are thundering drums reverberating around my head. Painful? Yes. Shall I keep listening? You’re damn straight matey, I’m not missing this.
We finish this record with “Circles”- a lovely, calming, soothing start- although my internal organs are cowering together at the base of my spine. Melodic and melancholic at the same time, progressing to a heavier section, before resuming the slower pace, then closing with the bolder notes. Don’t try and run away from this my friends, you will be frogmarched back to your seat, tout suite!
It is a commendable effort; this is aggression but with expression and not just for the sake of it. In a world that likes to dole out misery in rather generous portions, it is not surprising that different sectors of the art world use this as inspiration for their work. This is a hands up for us all; grab it with both of yours to love and cherish, and I promise it will love you back.
Azra Pathan
The Five Hundred – Bleed Red out on August 17th on Long Branch Records