This Devastated Fan
Garry from SAN PR recently dropped us a line, letting us know about a band who ‘take the artistry of Manchester Orchestra, the emotive drive of Alexisonfire, and the glowing diversity of Coheed and Cambria to showcase a sound that pitches impressive dynamic variation with earnest song-writing’ – which is a pretty impressive introduction to a band if ever I heard on. The band in question is This Devastated Fan, a North-West alternative foursome who are set to re-release their new album, Plot And Debauchery, on Monday 12th August. Having been working to hone their skills and develop their abilities, the guys have notched up support slots with Public Image Limited and the Birthday Suit, as well as making further inroads across the UK and into Europe. Based on all of this, I was looking forward to checking out what they had on offer.
Kicking into proceedings with Shoulder The War things kick off in a melodic fashion, building from the opening guitar line into a mix which oozes melody, restrained power and well put together prowess. Almost atmospheric as the vocals fade into being, the mix on offer here is laid back, chilled out, yet deep with mysterious beauty, luring you in to listen harder and offering up a mix which is sure to connect. Catchy and powerful through the twists and turns that the track moves through, there’s a real sense of classic, straight down the line rock going on here, the sort of thing that will appeal to fans of older rock, new rock, and those who just want something to kick back to chill out to – a solid opening which represents the stature of a band on the up. Continuing this approach into Calvery Cemetery the theme of chilled out, reflective rock continues, once again easing the listener into a realm of chilled out calm and laid back grooves. Reflective and emotional throughout, there’s a haunting quality to this track which will echo through your soul, bringing back memories of times gone by, moments long condemned to the murky depths of time, and visions you’d long forgotten, a stunning moment which stands out as a high point on the album.
Moving onto Contingency Plan things continue to stick to the melodic rock approach, moving from the soft opening moments into an upbeat melee of off clean guitar lines, soaring vocal lines and bass heavy rhythms, forging a sound which is sure to hook you in from start to finish. Showing off their alternative roots throughout, this track is more hard hitting than the previous offerings, yet still manages to keep the sense of who you’re listening to flowing throughout, a sure sign that this is a band who have honed their style and sound. This is an approach which continues into Sounds Like Sirens, once again presenting us with a laid back melee of bass heavy rhythms, underpinning the catchy and evocative vocal line. Alternative and mixed with atmospheric, the sound is once again calm, soothing and yet strangely uplifting, sounding almost akin to the post-grunge stuff from the late 90’s. Catchy throughout, this track has single and anthem written all over, presenting us with another serious high point on the album, and a moment to make sure you check out.
Continuing on through the groove orientated Bambi Woods, the haunting An Assembly Of Witches, the atmospheric and calming Hostage and the live anthem in the waiting that is Carnivore, each track showcases further the style of a band who have developed their abilities, focused on their strengths, and worked damned hard to get where they are. There’s not a note out of place, a melody that doesn’t fit or rhythm that doesn’t connect as the album progresses, track after track flowing out of the speaker and keeping the listener engaged and interested throughout. Murder is another prime example of this, building slowly out of slow, faded opening moments into an upbeat, almost Biffy Clyro-esque track which is sure to get you moving, singing and cranking the volume ever higher. Dramatic in the progression put on offer, this track shows off the bands ability to develop their sound, taking a relatively simple approach to things and turning it into something more, something bigger, and something that people are going to love.
Princess Anchor leads into Conversation Killer and on into Barricade before we’re led naturally to the closing moments of the album in the form of Heathen Rage, finishing with one final hurrah designed to show where the band have come from, and demonstrate further their sound. Once again leaning on the calmed, alternative approach to things to offer up a track which will work into your soul and stay there, coming back to warm you when needed, and accompanying moments in life where quite simply, you need some music to help you out.
I don’t really know what to say about This Devastated Fan other than to say it wasn’t what I expected. All too often we hear the term ‘alternative’ and assume we’re in for a certain sound, yet on offer here is something more, something deeper, and something which will connect with everyone who hears it. If you’re looking for a band who can take rock and make it their own, look no further – definitely a band to keep an eye on.
To find out more about This Devastated Fan, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking into proceedings with Shoulder The War things kick off in a melodic fashion, building from the opening guitar line into a mix which oozes melody, restrained power and well put together prowess. Almost atmospheric as the vocals fade into being, the mix on offer here is laid back, chilled out, yet deep with mysterious beauty, luring you in to listen harder and offering up a mix which is sure to connect. Catchy and powerful through the twists and turns that the track moves through, there’s a real sense of classic, straight down the line rock going on here, the sort of thing that will appeal to fans of older rock, new rock, and those who just want something to kick back to chill out to – a solid opening which represents the stature of a band on the up. Continuing this approach into Calvery Cemetery the theme of chilled out, reflective rock continues, once again easing the listener into a realm of chilled out calm and laid back grooves. Reflective and emotional throughout, there’s a haunting quality to this track which will echo through your soul, bringing back memories of times gone by, moments long condemned to the murky depths of time, and visions you’d long forgotten, a stunning moment which stands out as a high point on the album.
Moving onto Contingency Plan things continue to stick to the melodic rock approach, moving from the soft opening moments into an upbeat melee of off clean guitar lines, soaring vocal lines and bass heavy rhythms, forging a sound which is sure to hook you in from start to finish. Showing off their alternative roots throughout, this track is more hard hitting than the previous offerings, yet still manages to keep the sense of who you’re listening to flowing throughout, a sure sign that this is a band who have honed their style and sound. This is an approach which continues into Sounds Like Sirens, once again presenting us with a laid back melee of bass heavy rhythms, underpinning the catchy and evocative vocal line. Alternative and mixed with atmospheric, the sound is once again calm, soothing and yet strangely uplifting, sounding almost akin to the post-grunge stuff from the late 90’s. Catchy throughout, this track has single and anthem written all over, presenting us with another serious high point on the album, and a moment to make sure you check out.
Continuing on through the groove orientated Bambi Woods, the haunting An Assembly Of Witches, the atmospheric and calming Hostage and the live anthem in the waiting that is Carnivore, each track showcases further the style of a band who have developed their abilities, focused on their strengths, and worked damned hard to get where they are. There’s not a note out of place, a melody that doesn’t fit or rhythm that doesn’t connect as the album progresses, track after track flowing out of the speaker and keeping the listener engaged and interested throughout. Murder is another prime example of this, building slowly out of slow, faded opening moments into an upbeat, almost Biffy Clyro-esque track which is sure to get you moving, singing and cranking the volume ever higher. Dramatic in the progression put on offer, this track shows off the bands ability to develop their sound, taking a relatively simple approach to things and turning it into something more, something bigger, and something that people are going to love.
Princess Anchor leads into Conversation Killer and on into Barricade before we’re led naturally to the closing moments of the album in the form of Heathen Rage, finishing with one final hurrah designed to show where the band have come from, and demonstrate further their sound. Once again leaning on the calmed, alternative approach to things to offer up a track which will work into your soul and stay there, coming back to warm you when needed, and accompanying moments in life where quite simply, you need some music to help you out.
I don’t really know what to say about This Devastated Fan other than to say it wasn’t what I expected. All too often we hear the term ‘alternative’ and assume we’re in for a certain sound, yet on offer here is something more, something deeper, and something which will connect with everyone who hears it. If you’re looking for a band who can take rock and make it their own, look no further – definitely a band to keep an eye on.
To find out more about This Devastated Fan, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls