[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

[ArtistOTD] LoveHateHero

Artist: LoveHateHero

Genre: Rock

Location: Los Angeles, California

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Ferret Music

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lovehatehero 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovehatehero

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

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/lhhmerch

LA rockers LoveHateHero formed in 2005 are currently signed up to record label, Ferret Music. Only two of the founding members are still in the band, and they are lead vocalist Pierrick Berube and bassist Paris Bosserman. The role of lead guitarist is currently assigned to Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, while Justin Whitesel plays the rhythm guitarist as well as performing on keys, synths and pianos. All three are also capable of performing backing vocals. Many other members have come and gone since their formation six years ago, including the relatively recent departure of drummer Scott Gee. The band can be classed in many different types of genre ranging from punk rock through post-hardcore to emocore, depending on which album you listen to.

To date, IHH have released three studio albums, and the first of these came in 2005, titled ‘Just Breathe’. In the main, this is a heavy punk driven record from which the band have now diverted quite a bit. The best tracks on the record are probably ‘The Risk’ and ‘Second Chance’.

The follow-up to Just Breathe was ‘White Lies’, released in 2007. This particular album is consensually viewed as the best of the three with its wide range of guitar solos, and could be classed as more of a metalcore or even post-hardcore type album. The guitars provide plenty of shredding while the vocals incorporate melodic screaming and low pitch growls. Possibly the best song from this offering is ‘Red Dress’ which offers characteristic melodies and an ever so catchy chorus. However, ‘Goodbye My Love’ would rival this for best track with its awesome guitar solo and repeated riff as well as its heavy upbeat tempo. Another track that deserves a mention is ‘Amity’, one which is found highly appealing to certain quarters of the bands fans.

Two years later saw the release of ‘America Underwater’, taking the band in a surprising new direction. This release has a more pop-rock feel to it with significant improvements made on the melodic vocals and catchy hooks. The lyrics portray deeper meaning and understanding demonstrating the maturity the group have encountered both as musicians and as people. The first single released off this album was the title track ‘America Underwater’ which provides 3 minutes of pure unrivalled energy and has positive influences towards early Taking Back Sunday material. The other stand-out track of the record is undoubtedly ‘Saints and Sinners’ with its infectious and catchy chorus.

The bands fourth studio album is understood to be in the pipeline, but rumours of uncertainty surrounding the bands future have circulated due to the departure of drummer, Scott Gee.

Check out the respective videos for ‘Red Dress’ and ‘America Underwater’ below:

Matthew Evans