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All One Surface • Ven Pedro - Vocals/Guitar • Buy |
Reviews - Such Is The Way To The Stars All One Surface emerged from the U.K. Midlands in summer 2001, when guitarist
Steve Whatcott and drummer Alex Bedwell met vocalist/guitarist Ven Pedro
through the "musician wanted" pages. Bassist Tris Leaver joined
up soon after, and All One Surface was born. By the following summer the
group had recorded some demo material and played a few gigs, displaying
a lush emo sound that incorporated more piano and clean-channel guitars
than the usual American clang of chunkhead power chords and post-hardcore
screech. The Such Is the Way to the Stars LP appeared in 2004 through
Human Recordings. All One Surface. Big, propulsive guitars and drums, smartly heartbroken
lyrics. All the little-boy rock clones can go home now. Girlfriend-approved.
Mp3s at the site, where you can also pick up the CD cheap. This is a debut release for not only All One Surface but also for their label Human Recordings. All One Surface comprise the talents of Ven Pedro (vocals/guitars/bass/programming), Steve Whatcott (guitar/bass) and Alex Bedwell (drums). Between them they have created an album of gems that bring emotion and empathy into sharp relief with fluid and cyclonic explosions of guitars, bass and drums. There are tracks that begin very gently before erupting from the speakers with pacey, and passionate, rock. Ven blends an exposed frailty through his cathartic vocal style, gelling into a catchy whole with the often furious playing of his bandmates. My personal favourite of this great album is the high drama, high energy,
high pop and high fun of Back To One. It is a brilliant track. It is by
no means alone; it sits aside a raft of quality songs. You'd be a fool
to miss this. At first listen the singer's voice sounded so familiar, almost generic
and irritatingly dull so I disregarded the CD. One week later, I returned
to listen carefully and heard a silky smooth quality I must have been
deaf to miss the first time around. It's almost lullaby-esque, with twinkling
guitars, melancholy strumming and wretchedly emotional lyrics. Give the
album the attention it deserves and you will really appreciate its subtlety.
It's sweetly sad without being suffocating; you won't be able to contain
your smile. All 10 tracks are constructed with just the right amount of
power behind the instruments and vocals that it restores your faith in
young songwriters. Just a pleasure to kick back and listen to. Right from the first play I found this album to have a hook to it that begs for more plays. It's a fairly softish rocker that starts with a great track in 'Bleeding Centre Stage'. And there's that hook straight away - the chorus just keeps coming back at odd moments during the day. 'Compensate' follows and starts out gently and builds as guitars kick in then back out; a theme that repeats several times. Classy piece that's got everything - a great little grower this one! 'Fairytales And Lovesongs' is quite pacey and starts with Ven's vocals reminding me of Haircut 100. Is that sad? Anyway, it's a fairly typical 'Surface' song with some nice piano carrying it along. A very repetitive rhythm line gets the feet tapping. Not one of my favourites it has to be said although it's still well structured and performed. 'Trading Time For Chance' lifts the feel with a heavyish guitar intro. Vocals, guitars and drums working well together to result in a pretty impressive number with plenty of light and shade - although that's what 'Surface' seem to do well! 'Back To One' rocks from note one. The pace doesn't drop at all really as the guitar and drums throb along behind the vocals. This one finishes with a fast and furious instrumental section - quite impressive. 'Choices' brings a little respite as gentle guitar leads into a well worked piece. Although I like this song it still feels as if it could be just a little more dynamic. As it fades out it leaves me feeling as if something was missing - not sure what though! 'Desideratum' is a creeper. Something very nice is going on here. Although starting a little nondescript it soon lifts with vocal harmonies bolstering the feel. Yes, a creeper, this begs more plays - and I love the vocal work as it fades out - cleverly worked and arranged. 'One Last Throw' is another up-tempo jobbie. The vocal carries the brunt of the melody supported by the solid rhythm section - not sure yet on this one but I'm sure I'll get there! 'Charcoals And Grays' has natty guitar lifting the vocal. A different sound and feel to all the other tracks with great bass driving along behind. Maybe, just maybe, it's bass work such as this that's lacking on a couple of the other tracks - the missing dynamic? I like this track a lot! Last track, 'New Memories' also has a slightly different feel with the use of delay (I think!) on the guitar. A pulsating piece with a subtle guitar fade that's just right as a final track as it's a little belter. It leaves the listener on a high note and begs the question, 'shall I put the whole thing on again?', yes, why not! Ooops, hang on, here comes a hidden track. After a gap of about five minutes or so in comes a mellow, acoustic piece - don't know it's title but it's not too bad. This was my first encounter with All One Surface. I'm sure it won't be
my last. Generally the songs have a solid feel. The lyrics and melodies
are great throughout. Everything is well structured and performed. If
I have one (constructive) criticism it would be that sometimes the vocals
are a bit on the weak side. However, after saying that, it does work.
A pretty impressive work all round though; one which I shall be giving
a lot more plays. |
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