Out Now
Adelaide concept-driven cinematic post-hardcore/metalcore act Akira Slide have just unleashed their debut EP Cupid Death Machine on the world. What’s it like? Let’s find out…
Opener [white line fever] stutters to life with some sporadic electronics before vocalist/guitarist Joshua Julian eases into the picture to create a sonic field of ambience. The track opens up into a rocky little number that purrs along at a steady pace before flirting with a bit more danger musically by way of a couple of tempo changes that shift gears nicely. Things change up even more about halfway through as a breezy underscore dominates the landscape briefly until a breakdown of sorts ushers in more urgency. This is followed by a tasty guitar solo that brings things back a notch as Akira Slide add subtle layers of harsh vocals for maximum effect.
Incisor has a shuffling bout of electronics from which to breath life, which soon give way to a nice groove led by drummer Tom Allevi. This groove sits menacingly in the underground throughout the track, with a soaring vocal pattern dictating the terms. A rush of swirling guitars acts as a segue into harsher territory as things turn menacing for a spell before pulling back slightly to allow the two opposing vocal forces the chance to play off each other. This is a well crafted track with enough by way of indifference to make it beautifully enticing.
Drag Me To Heaven has a cool electronic intro, which is soon replaced by the chugg of guitars as the songs picks up the pace, inviting a burst of harsh vocals which are soon played off against a variety of other sonic passages that range from cleans to harsh to soaring highs, all without skipping a beat. If anything, this collection of songs so far has a strong resemblance to early Panic At the Disco!, which, for me, was when that band were at their best.
nightsky::serenity has a softer intro, a mellow undercurrent suggesting a slower track is coming. The serenity is a welcome addition, surprisingly, as the drums ease in gently and the song swarms in on itself in a ryhtmic motion that sounds like the gentle flow of nature. Then, just when you think a breakdown is near to throw things in a violent direction, the track fades to a close. I guess that’s intermission done.
Cobalt seems to pick up where the previous piece of instrumentalization left off, but soon gives way to a sense of urgency as a quickening drum roll invites guitars and synth into the landscape. A soothing, gentle vocal delivery is in direct contrast to the musical urgency, but strangely fits the picture as guitars stutter in and out and the drums continue to roll. The musical changes – both vocally and by instruments – are a definite feature of Akira Slide’s sonic palate and for a band in their infancy the grasp they have on these things is quite impressive.
Cobalt soon denigrates into chaos, but only briefly, as the status quo is restored and the cheeriness of the opening passages is soon restored. There’s so much going on musically within each song that Akira Slide must be confused themselves when writing and recording, but somehow the confusion is replaced by a strange sense of unison on the finished product. I don’t know how, but it does!
Intimate Angels has a calm exterior as it breathes life, but this is quickly overtaken by a mass of swirling guitars and harsh vocals that rapidly grow in intensity before Julian unleashes a tirade of anger and aggression. It is a welcome blast of hostility that is offset by moments of cleans that lighten the mood temporarily before all hell breaks loose once more. Personal favourite.
Phoenix Down closes Cupid Death Machine and starts out as a more accessible slab of music. Of course, this lasts only until Akira Slide tire of formalities and the pace quickens considerably. A more urgent passage of kick drums introduces the angrier component of the track, but the moment is quickly calmed as things pull back long enough to catch your breath. This song runs through a plethora of musical emotions, highlighting the experimentation and diversity inherent across the whole EP.
It is a brave effort for a debut, but also showcases the faith Akira Slide have in their music and ability. Awesome stuff!
