Bob Dean
Based in Manchester but with members from the UK, America and Iceland, Bob Dean have drawn a wide range of influences for their debut album ‘Volcano Music’, and have been good enough to send a few tracks over to Loud Stuff.
What’s clear from the start is this is an ambitious band. Fitting in a range of genres throughout the tracks and drawing on a great deal of musical ability, the band are consistently innovative in a way that pulls the listener in. First track ‘The Place Where Sounds Awake’ starts off with an aggressive drumbeat over a keyboard intro before exploding into an orchestral track that immediately brings up memories of Muse in one of their more epic moods. The arrangement and layering of the tracks is nicely balanced, atmospheric without being over-powering.
‘No-One’s Got the Hint’ is a more fast-paced track with some great guitar work from Ásgeir Einarsson. Starting with a folk-rock intro before moving into what seems an almost latin rhythm at the beginning of the track, it explodes into a reggae vibe at the end, the band seem at ease with every change in style in a manner that seems like it’s toying with the listener.
Things slow down with ‘Forest of Fear’, with the melancholic first half of the track played on acoustic guitar to create a strong and almost creepy atmosphere that fits in well with the lyrics. Invoking memories of a slow-paced prog rock track in the manner of Porcupine Tree, before suddenly exploding into life halfway through. The drums crash, the electric guitar kicks in, creating a bluesy feel that remains throughout the rest of the track.
These are just a few tracks from ‘Volcano Music’, but show a great level of musical maturity. The band defy expectations and have created something that shifts the mood in every track. ‘Forest of Fear’ in particular was a highlight for me, and one that I can imagine would sound superb live. Ambition and musical ability are in abundance with this band, and they have an exciting future ahead.
Words – Nick Axford
Listen to some of Bob Dean’s tracks via https://www.facebook.com/bobdeanmusic
What’s clear from the start is this is an ambitious band. Fitting in a range of genres throughout the tracks and drawing on a great deal of musical ability, the band are consistently innovative in a way that pulls the listener in. First track ‘The Place Where Sounds Awake’ starts off with an aggressive drumbeat over a keyboard intro before exploding into an orchestral track that immediately brings up memories of Muse in one of their more epic moods. The arrangement and layering of the tracks is nicely balanced, atmospheric without being over-powering.
‘No-One’s Got the Hint’ is a more fast-paced track with some great guitar work from Ásgeir Einarsson. Starting with a folk-rock intro before moving into what seems an almost latin rhythm at the beginning of the track, it explodes into a reggae vibe at the end, the band seem at ease with every change in style in a manner that seems like it’s toying with the listener.
Things slow down with ‘Forest of Fear’, with the melancholic first half of the track played on acoustic guitar to create a strong and almost creepy atmosphere that fits in well with the lyrics. Invoking memories of a slow-paced prog rock track in the manner of Porcupine Tree, before suddenly exploding into life halfway through. The drums crash, the electric guitar kicks in, creating a bluesy feel that remains throughout the rest of the track.
These are just a few tracks from ‘Volcano Music’, but show a great level of musical maturity. The band defy expectations and have created something that shifts the mood in every track. ‘Forest of Fear’ in particular was a highlight for me, and one that I can imagine would sound superb live. Ambition and musical ability are in abundance with this band, and they have an exciting future ahead.
Words – Nick Axford
Listen to some of Bob Dean’s tracks via https://www.facebook.com/bobdeanmusic