Album Review: Gazar Strips - Sparkling

Immediately impressing with their fluid noise-rock textures and haunting, watery bass in opener Oversight, this Brisbane three-piece peddle an engrossing and decidedly sinister sound. The title track plays up their use of dissonant horror tones and guitarist Jon Weber's wavering vocals to more obviously theatrical levels. The band's taste for gothic post-punk recalls The Cure's darker Pornography stage while also drawing inspiration from Gang Of Four's off-beat clanging. Appropriately titled single/closer Bee Mantis is a darkly buzzing number that slithers formidably towards a restrained yet satisfying crescendo.