Singles + EPs

EP Review: Spectrum 7

[EP: Fade To Black And Back Again]
[Label: Unsigned]

Electro-rockers Spectrum 7 write songs in their bedroom much like many other bands starting out. The difference here though is that Sean Shreeve and Jon Hardless are insanely good at it. They started out layering lyrics and guitars over electronic beats created on a knackered old Playstation. A fine way to start off, but when vocalist Jason Mirchandi joined up and the band upgraded to a laptop things really started to come together. The result is this debut EP which not only snaps but, ahem, crackles and pops too.

The rapid synth sample of ‘Serafin’ sets the pace, with the drums picking it up and running with it. The guitars hammer out a pattern with rapid bass strokes strongly sounding out from behind a wall of noise. The vocal, though, is surprisingly soft and harmonious and gets a little smothered when the guitars lay it on thick. The jarring swathes of guitar and double-kicked drum on ‘Treading Water’ drags in elements of post-hardcore and with the increased complexity comes an instant hit of gratification. It slams and rebounds off itself but with each new part integrated beautifully into the overall structure.

The change of pace that the last two tracks bring is welcome but they lack the “wow-factor” of the first two. Obviously-titled instrumental ‘Piano’ sits twinkling piano amongst butch beats and orchestral samples but it lacks finesse and oversimplification has left it sounding a little lost. Finally, ‘Panic’ is simply bursting with clever touches - heartbeat synth, emotion-soaked vocal and a recorded government speech about a nuclear attack give this dark closer a rather unsettling quality.

Spectrum 7 are certainly an exciting prospect. This debut is not without fault but there’s enough that proves that when they eventually get round to giving us a full album it will be well worth the wait.

For Fans Of: The Infadels, My Vitriol, Muse

Band Link:
Spectrum 7

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