[AlbumOTD] Eyes Like Diamonds - FREQUENCIES

Artist: Eyes Like Diamonds

Genre: Rock/Post-Hardcore/Experimental
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada. US
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Tragic Hero Records  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/eyeslike

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eldband

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eyeslikediamondslv

Falling into the post-hardcore genre, from across the pond come Eyes Like Diamonds. This is a review of their debut album 'Frequencies' released on Tragic Hero Records last month.

ELD demonstrate their knack of combining a perfect blend of singing and gnarly screams portraying a masterful array of vocal technique. The heavy driving guitars are a force that can really be felt on this record. In addition the drums are made to sound like the thudding powerful beasts that they are!

ELD begin with a classic ‘Intro’ which in essence, is the calm before the storm. This flows into ‘Satellites’ which acts as a warning for the faint-hearted. Diego Perez's stunning vocals are mostly clean and harmonic on this track with an optimal dose of scream and a masterful mix up of tempos.

The guitars on ‘This Sinful City’ give off a nice bouncy stochastic up-beat feel which was a welcome surprise as the band demonstrate their diversity. This trait progresses with wonderful subtlety into a killer chorus.

The next track is ‘Left For Dead’ possessing a pacey hard-hitting tempo again with outstanding lead vocals, broken down to allow for equally spectacular growls, with Tony Pell showcasing his talent. A head-banger's dream! ‘You’re So Hollywood & IDGAF’ follows on in a similar realm in what I can only describe as a real hard-hitting frustration-venter.

The interlude ‘Law Of Attraction’ performs as a breakdown of the breath-taking first-half to the album, offering time for much need breather where Danielle Schrudder and her keys are the main attraction.

‘Set This Place Aflame’ eases the listener back into the swing of things before the screams and singing vocals again work in tandem on ‘3…2…1…’, however they are overshadowed by some classy riffs on this track.

‘Waves’ is slightly slower and less penetrating but the inclusion of dual vocals is a welcome addition. And just in case the last couple of songs made you too comfortable, ‘It’s Not Easy Being King’ smashes you with a blistering showcase of high-pitch scream as the main element. It also includes a wonderful breakdown allowing an the song to fade away into the night sky.

The climax of the album comes in the form of ‘Years in the Making’. This puts together all the weapons to ELD’s arsenal rounding off a top effort for a debut album. A soft and delicate piano, soulful clean vocals, screeches, screams, breakdowns and a bundle of passion and energy!

Here are a the respective videos for 'Left For Dead' and '3...2...1...' from the album to whet your appetite:

Matthew Evans