“Klammer” is the self-titled 2nd LP by Yorkshire quartet Klammer. I have to admit they were new to me until I witnessed their set recently on the Introducing stage at this yearís Rebellion Festival. It was an instant love affair for this 50 year old-a band who unashamedly take snippets of the past but create wonderful music purely their own.
This 13 song collection opens confidently with “Bide Your Time”. Gentle guitar strumming begins this track for almost a minute before the haunting vocal of Paul (Poss) kicks in. Brooding and delivered with menace, you detect the anger in his voice. The song slowly builds with clangy guitars and a noodly bridge mid song, which strains alongside the vocal latterly. I’m reminded of early Magazine and Howard Devoto’s vocal style. A great opener.
“Power of N” has a much faster guitar and heavier bass intro, with clicky chords and a more direct vocal. There’s a good range of guitars here with that clicky beat sitting in the background. “Eye of The Spider, Power of N”… where this lyric originates from is anyone’s guess, but it’s interesting nevertheless. Stretched chords in the brief middle 8 before returning to the power hitting and that direct vocalising conclude this song. “Everything Depends On the King” has a chiming guitar intro while the subtle bass sits in the background. The layered vocals are a clever touch, matched by the simple guitar and drums. The song title is catchy as hell and has “Indie Single of The Week” written all over it (should such a chart still exist)!
“High Life” begins with a simple drum intro before some Banshees-esque guitars kick in. More of Paul’s haunting vocals follow amid more chimes. A simple drumbeat is paired with bass subtlety – it’s dark, moody and asks questions? The main chorus section powerfully ends the song rather abruptly! “Reciprocate” has a radio-friendly guitar intro and much clearer vocals, layered from verse to chorus. A noodly bridge, stretched at times compliments more chiming chords and power hitting. It’s a 3 minute epic with another sharp ending.
The drum intro on “And This Is How the West Was One” hints at Joy Division, matched perfectly to an Ian Curtis-esque vocal (in places). Deep, dark vocals compliment a sharp bass that throbs during the chorus. I detect many influences, (too many to mention); but the song leans heavily on the early 80’s Post/Punk era. “One Word Four Letters” is slower with buzzing guitars and a milder tempo. More “clicks” throughout with a dark bass coming to the fore.
“Caught in The Act” returns to the pacier mode and powerful delivery with strong bass and guitars. The lyrics suggest a fearful subject matter. More chiming within the noodly bridge, which takes the song up a notch. From there it just builds and builds. “Space Elevator” is hard hitting and punchier in the intro with another in-yer-face, direct vocal. Powerful guitar throughout from Steve on this harder edged song which never lets up. The chugging beat and constant guitar clang are the overriding features and it’s another great ending.
“Opposites Detract” echoes (musically) “Dirk Wears White Sox” era Adam and The Ants. The song title is really clever while the chord changes and subtleties make it (IMO) the most interesting track on this collection. More Post/Punk chiming guitars from Steve and an almost spoken word vocal (in places). And yet another great song ending, (this is becoming familiar)! “Blameless Blue” stays in the same vein, employing the same intricacies both vocally and musically. I’m hearing early “Ants” again but you the listener will no doubt hear other influences within. The bass is the star here – simple yet effective, alongside the multi layered guitars and vocals.
“Blind Side” begins all Buzzcocks-esque guitars, while the vocal fights for space with a twisted guitar part. Yet more chimes and an easy singalong chorus for the live arena. Steve’s guitars seem somewhat strained in the bridge, before reverting to that earlier chugging beat. On “Heavy Weather” they save the best ’til last. If Post/Punk returned to its Punk roots, it would sound something like this. More Devoto inspired vocals, coupled with Ants guitars – Poss really stretches his vocal on this layered epic, while there’s guitar effects aplenty. If experimentation is the way forward, then this may just be the benchmark for album number 3 – we will see.
If like me Klammer are new to you, take this LP; play it a few times and discover its greatness. Yes the influences are obvious, but the way they use them sets them apart from the crowd. While Klammer aren’t at world domination stage yet the signs are good. Four years and two albums down the line they are heading in the right direction. And if this album is anything to go by then their trajectory can only be taking an upwards curve.
Tracklisting
Bide Your Time
Power of N
Everything Depends on the King
High Life
Reciprocate
And This Is How the West Was Won
One Word Four Letters
Caught In the Act
Space Elevator
Opposites Detract
Blameless Blue
Blind Side
Heavy Weather
Links
http://klammer.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/klammerband
Contact klammerband@gmail.com
Review by Ross A. Ferrone.
