Dear god! These guys are insane! SikTh (capital 'T') are a British band to really be
proud of, they have produced the most original album I've heard in a long time.
Schizophrenic vocals, amazingly fast guitars (sounding at times like something
that used to be on the soundtrack to a GameBoy game...), a Nick Cave cover,
really heavy songs, lyrics with great meaning, chapters from stories, a read poem
with no music - it's literally just a poem being read out with loads of vocal effects,
ringtones for intros, jumpers for goalposts... this should all be very wrong but it
sounds so right!
The variations on this album could keep you interested for centuries. Most of the songs are layered with complicated instrument parts that are criminally over looked on first listening but everything can be appreciated in time. It's chaotic and the double bass drum madness that is inflicted adds to the madness. The band members are certainly talented and they don't half like showing it off!
SikTh have two vocalists, Mikee W. Goldman and Justin Hill. Mikee's vocals are the definition of the word 'mad' it's almost as if Jim Carey became possesed, wrote some amazingly good lyrics, grew a goatee and some dreadlocks and was allowed to sing and do loads of odd voices... Seriously, it's that mad, maybe even madder. Just listening to 'Pussyfoot' or the end of 'Wait For Something Wild' will justify this man's insanity. I've tried imitating his voice but man is it hard... and you get odd looks from anyone in earshot.
Justin Hill on the other hand, offers really impressive vocal talent. I think it qualifies as 'singing' infact! haha but seriously, he offers great vocals and mixed with Mikee's vocals is one killer cocktail.
Every song on the album is great stuff, apart from 'Tupelo' which gives the album a much needed slow down but it's just not that great, 'Can't We All Dream' is the same. The piano instrumentals are class too. These guys have undeniable talent and have definitely put alot into their sound, I suggest you give credit where it's deserved and buy this album. If you've any sense, you'll love it.
Craig Sharp |