Domingo 16 Abr 2006, 6:03
DragonForce - Sonic Firestorm
http://www.last.fm/music/Dragonforce/Sonic+Firestorm
Who? Six-man British-based Power Metal band formed in 1999 in London by co-lead guitarist Herman Li.
Highlights: Along with the storming opening track My Spirit Will Go On, there are many fantastic songs here, including the epic Soldiers Of The Wasteland, with its stunning 3-minute ending solo.
Lowlights: Very few really, though Fields Of Despair could be a little more impressive than it is. Also a slightly rubbish band name.
Verdict: One name - Avenged Sevenfold. I thought they were the leaders in über-fast guitar soloing… until I heard these guys. Their solos are just longer, faster and more stunning. Although Avenged Sevenfold are still impressive, DragonForce just pip them. Plus they're British! 9.5/10
Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
http://www.last.fm/music/Belle+and+Sebastian
Who? Probably the most successful group of recent years to embrace the "1970s punk DIY ethic", indie-pop group Belle & Sebastian were formed by Stuart Murdoch in 1995.
Highlights: Sukie In The Graveyard is funky to the extreme, The Blues Are Still Blue is a fantastic, bouncy composition worthy of anyone's time, and there is also the stand-out single Funny Little Frog.
Lowlights: Again, very few. Act Of The Apostle II failed to really get me going though, and there could have been a slightly better flourish to the end of the album, although the final song Mornington Crescent is still good.
Verdict: Impressive vocal ranges displayed by both the male and female singers, numerous catchy tunes, swearwords used in the most upbeat way since Reel Big Fish, a humourous band Q&A inside the album cover, and the general cheery, upbeat, relaxed nature of the whole album make this a near-essential purchase. 10/10
Two of the best albums I've ever bought in my opinion. Very different styles found in the two bands, but both really are worth a listen.