The Hiram Key - Amerikafka
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I’m not going to pretend that I was not waiting impatiently for a debut album of a project of Nosferatu’s ex-vocalist (known mainly from The Cureheads). Gary Ash announced the revolution of gothic scene and return to roots. There is no doubt – Amerikafka faithfully follows the sound of such legends as The Cure or The Sisters of Mercy. Unfortunately such ghosts should be awaken very carefully. And here’s the problem.
I wouldn’t lie much telling that Amerikafka is a work from the beginning till the end because only two tracks are over the level of musical mediocrity of the rest: the opening track Amerikafka and the closing one The Nature Theatre Train. On the one hand the title track keeping balance between classic and modern, on the other equally inventive, independent The Nature Theatre Train – perfect example of the band’s ability to use guitar riffs without repeating well-known scheme. Between these two track a listener finds eight, very similar tracks being uniform mass of variations on music from the early 80’s. Interesting, bouncy track, in which natural sound of guitar is supported by non-invasive electronics – this is a description suitable for each of the eight tracks on the album differing only in terms of pace. Pretty good in comparison to others are Arzu in the mirror – romantic, calm, guitar track and danceable, lively Solomon’s tears. It is worth to mention two tracks which may be equally euphoric and disgusting. The Lift Boy and Karl’s song. You can turn a blind eye to the fact that majority of ideas from Amerikafka are taken from The Cure. Unfortunately, in The Lift Boy Ash goes too far. I won’t say anything more, if you are interested compare it to Wrong Number. The similarity in Karl’s song is probably related to the guest performance of Lol Tolhurst (sic!)
Each track on Amerikafka treated separately is at least good. The album is full of long-term experience of the whole band. I’m wondering why Ash needs so much to imitate someone, whose work will not be forgotten. The Hiram Key have reached natural guitar sound, unfortunately they invested in repeatability. Simply: we have heard that. A lot of times. Ash stubbornly recreate old patterns not adding anything from himself. Simultaneously he creates – maybe to have fun, maybe from real need – a strange idea of revolution. In this case it is the triumph of form over substance. I recommend for those who are curious and for The Cure fans. For the rest – I do not.
Tracklist:
01. Amerikafka
02. Arzu In the Mirror
03. Suzanna In the Street
04. The Lift Boy
05. Karl's song (feat. Lol Tolhurst)
06. Happy Man?
07. Solomon's Tears
08. 1+1=3 (2U)
09. Forever
10. The Nature Theatre Train
Other articles:
I wouldn’t lie much telling that Amerikafka is a work from the beginning till the end because only two tracks are over the level of musical mediocrity of the rest: the opening track Amerikafka and the closing one The Nature Theatre Train. On the one hand the title track keeping balance between classic and modern, on the other equally inventive, independent The Nature Theatre Train – perfect example of the band’s ability to use guitar riffs without repeating well-known scheme. Between these two track a listener finds eight, very similar tracks being uniform mass of variations on music from the early 80’s. Interesting, bouncy track, in which natural sound of guitar is supported by non-invasive electronics – this is a description suitable for each of the eight tracks on the album differing only in terms of pace. Pretty good in comparison to others are Arzu in the mirror – romantic, calm, guitar track and danceable, lively Solomon’s tears. It is worth to mention two tracks which may be equally euphoric and disgusting. The Lift Boy and Karl’s song. You can turn a blind eye to the fact that majority of ideas from Amerikafka are taken from The Cure. Unfortunately, in The Lift Boy Ash goes too far. I won’t say anything more, if you are interested compare it to Wrong Number. The similarity in Karl’s song is probably related to the guest performance of Lol Tolhurst (sic!)
Each track on Amerikafka treated separately is at least good. The album is full of long-term experience of the whole band. I’m wondering why Ash needs so much to imitate someone, whose work will not be forgotten. The Hiram Key have reached natural guitar sound, unfortunately they invested in repeatability. Simply: we have heard that. A lot of times. Ash stubbornly recreate old patterns not adding anything from himself. Simultaneously he creates – maybe to have fun, maybe from real need – a strange idea of revolution. In this case it is the triumph of form over substance. I recommend for those who are curious and for The Cure fans. For the rest – I do not.
Tracklist:
01. Amerikafka
02. Arzu In the Mirror
03. Suzanna In the Street
04. The Lift Boy
05. Karl's song (feat. Lol Tolhurst)
06. Happy Man?
07. Solomon's Tears
08. 1+1=3 (2U)
09. Forever
10. The Nature Theatre Train
Other articles:
- The Hiram Key - The Quest - 2012-03-04 (Music reviews)
