Although their debut album ‘Chance Collide’ was only released in 2016, listening to Cicadastone easily revokes memories of the peak of the grunge rock era three decades ago. With echoes of Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden ringing in your ears you might wonder if this kind of sound could be progressive enough to succeed in 2021. Certainly, Golden Robot seems to think so, as the band signed with them in 2019.
Since joining the label Cicadastone swiftly released three highly acclaimed singles from their upcoming album: ‘Of Anger’, ‘Dying in Sunshine’ and ‘Out of Sight’. The band are founder brothers Matt and Mark Robins on vocals and guitars, Adam Pedreti on drums and Mick Quee on bass. Having built up some anticipation the album, initially due to be released in 2020, was delayed due to the Covid pandemic. Let’s finally hear what they have created.
‘Red Eye Raven’ is a good choice for an opener. The moody lead in is followed by a stirring, heavy guitar rhythm which melds the punch of metal with the angst of grunge. On first listen the band appear to work together well and the album production is clear and well balanced such that everything can be heard without cleaning away the rough edges.
Recently released as a single, the somewhat repetitive ‘Slave in A Cage’ talks about having to obey. We are all followers when we think about it, trapped in a cycle where we learn to submit to societies’ interpretations of what we can or cannot do, say or think and this single is a protest against the box you are inevitably trapped in. Meanwhile ‘Out of Sight’ is less aggressive and more introspective as it asks you if you know who you really are. Ominously named ‘Dying in Sunshine’ is notable because of it’s tunefulness and sing-along chorus, which is ironic as it’s about presenting your inner agony in a socially acceptable way. Putting on a face. It is a really sound offering, one that you will return to.
Other standouts include ‘Call It What You Will’ which is dreamy and melodic in the style of Pink Floyd while title track ‘Cold Chamber’ is a staggering and off-kilter sound that somehow creates a masterpiece instead of a monster. ‘Box of Anger’ as you might have guessed is a return to heavy guitars. Another single, this one is beautifully put together, with Pedreti battering out the reeling drum intro face first into a guitar hook that’s hard to forget.
All in all, although I was initially disappointed that the album didn’t continue in as heavy a vein as ‘Red Eyed Raven’ suggested it might, in the end ‘Cold Chamber’ turned out to be a journey that skillfully displayed Cicadastone’s multiplicity and showcased their ability to intricately weave together old and new. Yes there are moments that you think you’ve heard before but more than likely they are moments that once meant so much to you. Where you might expect to switch off to a sound that’s ‘been done’ there is enough diversity here to keep you listening all the way through… and that speaks to the talent of Cicadastone.
- ‘Cold Chamber’ is released on Friday (19 March). You can get your copy HERE.
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