Whispers in the Attic open this 4 song E.P. with the interestingly titled “Slow Dance On A Knife Edge”. There’s a great reverse Tainted Love riff before a strong drumbeat takes over. Tash’s strained vocals then kick in & proceed to dominate the song. It’s a rather typical female-fronted Rock sound on offer and nothing new to this reviewer. However, it’s more than musically competent and the vocals are clear and audible. It’s a nice simple beat, with Ian’s unfussy guitars and David’s bass alongside the symbal-led drumming from Matt. Lyrical content is for conjecture-I can’t decide if it’s a failed relationship song or an ode to a one night stand!! I’m probably wrong on both counts so you the listener can decide!
“Six and One” follows with its bassy intro and “peppered” drums. With subtle chords and a simple vocal it progresses to a great middle 8. This song wont win any awards for lyricism and where it is going lyrically is anyone’s guess, although it has a great ending.
“Succubus” is a much slower, mellower song with a strong focus on the lyrics. Intricate picking alongside a gentle drumbeat work well, but where the noodly middle 8 at the end fits in this song is strange in itself.
“Standing in the Wings” is more a return to form as the drums are faster and the vocal altogether more passionate and confident. An ode to achieving a fame of sorts, it is a decent closing track.
While it would be easy to try and pigeonhole this band I’m going to focus on the 2 influences that stand out to me. Tash (vox,in places) reminds me of Juliette Regan and the (softer elements) of Die So Fluid’s “Grog Rox”. With a genre tag of “Rock/Punk/Alt” one could hardly argue – I would add Goth! While the band remain unsigned they can hone their talent I’m sure in time. Slightly better production might propel them to greater heights but for now they have something to build on.
Tracklisting
Slow Dance on a Knife Edge
Six and One
Succubus
Standing in the Wings
Band Members
Tash – vox
Ian – guitar/vox
David – bass
Matt – drums
Links
http://www.whispersintheattic.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/whispersintheattic
Review by Ross A. Ferrone.
