Pale Fires
Mammoth
September 26 2014 (Self Release)
6/10
Words: Leanne Crowley
Following up 'Louring Skies' from earlier in the year, Pale Skies now deliver their second offering in this short, but succinct, six-track debut EP. Or is it an LP? Too short perhaps for an album, rather long for an EP, Pale Skies seem to sit midway between both - rather like their music, which straddles psych, moody melodics and a touch of rock on the side.
Opener ‘River' begins with a Radiohead style drumbeat from percussionist Jean Stevens, edgy guitar riffs courtesy of Oli Swan and what become characteristic and alluring vocals from Leo Runswick. The track becomes an ever mellower swirl as the bassline of Harry Wreathall is added to the mix and a fuzzy warm sensation is left in the wake of this track. Repetition is the order of the day here, and used to good effect too.
Title track ‘Mammoth' sees the mellow timbre continue, and so far there is not a hint of the wild side of the band that is seen in their live shows. ‘Peace of Mind' sees the guitar offer a bit more kick and the instrumental interludes are pleasant, while the vocal style and intensity is consistent. The loud central section hints at the psychedelic rock genre that the band have been logged under.
‘Howl', meanwhile, is the real stand-out of the album and is different to the other tracks it is associated with. The guitar riff contrasts beautifully with the twinkling cymbals and as all the musical elements kick in at once, the held vocal notes shimmer and enthrall. ‘Earth Mother' returns to normal service for Pale Fires and as the track progresses, there are hints of Muse in the effected guitar and vocals. A song that offers a Jekyll and Hyde side to this band.
As debut offerings going, they don't come any mellower than this and although they are branded within the psych genre, Pale Fires are too laid-back to be considered as such and fit more nicely into the shoegaze haunts of the music industry.
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