Review by Vince Leigh
This Canberra based outfit has been around since 2009 and has released a couple of solid albums including Ovum in 2011 and Sunblind in 2018.
Their brand of alternative rock, despite being steeped in metal land, is the sort which is as varied and interesting musically as it is stylistically. It is clear the members’ sense of humour is in fine shape too, though less obvious is the kind detectable amidst the faux dramatics of their material.
Aside from this, their songs seem to draw on a plethora of influences. But perhaps most notably they are governed by an emotional power that relies on refined melodies, adept musicianship and vocal techniques which are as proficient as they are engaging and capable of serving these other traits with just the right kind of accompaniment.
Sunblind is somewhat of an encapsulation of the band’s sound. Beginning with a simple, understated bass line, soon joined by an equally basic kick and snare feel, the verse introduces a mid-range vocal performing a melody whose rhythmic attributes nicely weave their way over the bass and drums.
Increasing the intensity with some low, layered vocals in the subsequent verses, this all helps to build to a chorus that has all the hallmarks of, yes, an actual chorus. One that lifts. Aided by the ebullient groan of the band beneath and a shift to a straight four on the floor drum feel, it is also helped along by some rousing but not necessarily encroaching guitar work.
The chorus leads into a musical interlude for a short while before the second verse appears, and the second helping of the chorus. After that, of course, there is the obligatory solo—we would expect and want nothing less—but this temporary break from the melody’s reign is kicked up a notch, literally, by some very enthusiastic double bass drum work which continues to a lesser degree throughout the final chorus.
It all seems to work, with the end result creating a kind of hybrid melodic metal somewhere between Def Leppard and Soundgarden. It’s a style for which rock music fans would, no doubt, be only too happy to show their appreciation.
To learn more about Knights of The Spatchcock, and to purchase their wares, click here.
