Takes a good few spins to fully reveal its charms.
I know I keep saying it, but I think it’s really encouraging to keep unearthing decent new bands from all corners of the world – proof indeed that Rock is a Global phenomenon. These guys are from Naklo in Slovenia, and formed in 2009. This album has actually been available since September last year, and for an independent release it’s very smartly packaged, and the sound quality is excellent.
I was expecting a more European sound, but Dirtswitch have tapped into the American contemporary post-Grunge output, and come up with a cracker of a debut. Although awash with heavy down-tuned riffs, there is an abundance of melody too, with some interesting lyrics, with absolutely no trace of accent in frontman Luka Lamut’s voice. They cite Alter Bridge, Soundgarden, King’s X and Shinedown as major influences, and that is a pretty good representation of their style, with the former very much evident in the guitar work of Jani Nendl, and the latter especially coming through on the slower numbers.
However, there are plenty of other references too; opener ‘Restraints’ absolutely reeks of Black Stone Cherry with its acoustic intro and modern Southern Rock feel, and the power and melody of first single ‘Too Much’ brings Nickelback to mind. ‘Another Breath’ is a mid-tempo number that eases back on the guitar riffs, and a potential crossover success, it could have come from the Daughtry debut, and ‘Innocence’ reminds me a little of Pearl Jam. The Nu-Metal riffage of ‘Overhang’ is a bit of a distraction, albeit a minor one, but it’s followed by the album’s standout track ‘Forever’, a seven and a half minute epic ballad with a fine extended guitar solo, and the closing ‘Today’ is a gently building ballad that manages to be uplifting despite its forlorn lyrical content.
Like many albums it takes a good few spins to fully reveal its charms, but it’s worth investing the time and effort if you like any of the aforementioned influences. Potentially one to watch out for.
Ant Heeks
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