STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21875-12216 LABEL: Risen RRCD005 FORMAT: CD Mini-album RELEASE DATE: 2009-12-14 RRP: £6.00
Reviewed by Dave Griffiths
The Repercussion are a four-piece from Dorset who released their debut EP last year Now this eight-track mini-album takes their sound to a new level of skill and quality. There are not many acts that could invoke the mighty names of Pink Floyd and Blur in one review, but the elements that make up The Repercussion sound hark to the progressive synth-based soundscapes of late '80s Floyd and then the guitar and production stylings of Max Baker-Hytch point to the shoe-gazing/indie scene from which Blur emerged in the early '90's. This doesn't mean the record sounds dated. For an album made mainly in a bedroom, it sounds impressive and fresh. There are many reasons to enjoy this CD - the big sound, the relaxing vocals of Becky Rewse: "Shut your eyes and come with me," she invites in the pounding opener/title track. The guitars shimmer, the keyboards twinkle. It all makes sense when you know that this band live in the rolling beauty of Dorset and know and worship the creator of it all. "Awaken" begins like the spirit that propelled Iona almost 20 years ago has been reborn in the West Country. It's a huge song in production and theme. Dan Cook drums so well all the way through the album and it all sounds like a band emerging with a new confidence. Bass player Dom Read stars on "Memories Fade", again recalling Blur by sounding like a long-lost Alex James bass line. Then comes "Echoes From The Outside World" which is where the groove-based prog reaches a climax, rivalling Pure Reason Revolution for epic grandeur; "All that you see is not all that will be,"' sings Becky in a prophetic mantra. The Repercussion are a regular fixture on the Dorset music scene and many of these songs were crafted on the road, which have gone some way to making this record sound so much more mature than many other bands their age. I don't think there are many bands so young that can boast such intelligent musicality, complete with great songs; a powerful combination if taken the time to really explore, especially on headphones!
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