| CD: A Cut
For Every Page
Band: Stye http://www.stye.net
Label: (Independent)
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer: Brent Lockman
aka Obeast
Date: 04/24/2003
I usually don't like to review demos Usually by the time a band completes one,
they have progressed to the point where as a band they are hopefully much more
musically proficient, and the demo is no longer a good representation of what
the band is really capable of. Stye is a quartet of rather talented and
experienced musicians that call Toronto their home. While the production of the
album is not the best in the world (it is after all a demo), once you get past
this however you will find a very enjoyable and all round good album.
All shortfalls on production are quickly covered up by the quality of the music
itself, which thankfully to the listener is very good. Raw and highly emotional
the album manages to catch your attention from opening moments of It’s
introductory track “Filthy”, and actually maintains it through the
various tempo changes, and different forms of songs right up until the end.
There are some legitimately catchy guitar riffs meshed in with the drum and
bass lines that work to create several moments of Zen in the album moments
where you can just sit there, and mellows you out nicely. And on the flipside
there are moments where it feels like you are being repeatedly pummeled, or
scolded might be a better word (this is the image I get during
“scapegoat”).
I mentioned above how bands progress from the level they were at when they
recorded their demo, well I have had the chance to take in their live show
several time since the release of ACFEP and they are improved, to the point
that the demo is no longer a true glimpse into what Stye are capable of. I
would argue that currently the best way to get to hear their sound is to attend
one of their shows, and then see for yourself how good this band is, and be as
blown away as I was.
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