Album Review: Lower Definition - 'The Greatest Of All Lost Arts'
6 points for originality. And the rest for production and delivery.
Upon receiving this CD, I read the
bio on the back and thought ‘Wow…This band “mesh power and catchiness that recall Faith No More and Glassjaw”’.
Well what a surprise; A label trying to name drop some massive acts,
in hopes of tricking a reviewer. Well thanks all the same Ferret,
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but I have two ears that work perfectly fine, and I need no help in
drawing comparisons to other big name acts in order to conduct my review.
What the bio should have said was “San
Diego’s Lower Definition bring absolutely nothing new to the table,
but they excel in their delivery and sincerity.” Then I might have
actually agreed with them. I can see the Glassjaw resemblance, only
in the fact that Lower D vocalist Matt Geise can at times sound like
one Mr D Palumbo, especially (and suspiciously) at the beginning of Pueblo Cicada. As for the Faith No More comparison? I’m still
really confused where the fuck they pulled that from.
Onto the actual CD, and opening track For Satellite is a perfect summation of what Lower D is all about.
With double kick pummeling behind the intricate riffing that draws the
similarity to TREOS, Lower D flow from slow melodic moments, into brooding
breakdowns, which normally ruins things for me in this type of genre.
With the rhythm guitar churning away on the breakdown, guitarist number
two is noodling away with a clever riff over the top, and the two parts
compliment each other very well.
The Ocean, The Beast continues where For Satellite left off, before Miami Nights
kicks in with a pretty soft jazzy sounding guitar, that sets the tone
for the rest of the track really well. The Choreographer and Versus Versace showcase Lower D’s ability to drift from
their melodic wavering guitars into their heavier side of things, and
they do it with ease.
Aforementioned Pueblo Cicada
kicks with some Glassjaw-esque vocals, and features guest vocals from
Johnny Craig from Emarosa (formerly of Dance Gavin Dance). Craig provides
a fitting cameo that gives the track a taste of difference from the
rest, with his husky yet soaring voice. His Silent Film features
the album’s most sombre moments, with a down-toned build up working
well with the progressing vocals, and one of the album’s catchiest
riffs.
Kris Crummet, who is responsible for the awesome production on Closure
In Moscow’s The Penance And The Patience EP. Crummet is proving to be one of the industry’s hottest new producers
yet to hit elite status, and will surely be a common name in the world
of punk and hardcore in years to come. His work on The Greatest Of
All Lost Arts is second to none, and has brought out the best in
Lower Definition.
Whilst far from original, Lower
Definition offer sincerity that more than makes up for their lack of
invention. If you’re going to attempt something that’s been done
to death, make sure your delivery is as believable and honest as this
debut. The Greatest Of All Lost Arts will grow on you with every listen, and is a stable sign of things to
come from Lower Definition.
1. To Satellite
2. The Ocean, The Beast
3. Miami Nights
4. The Choreographer
5. Versus Versace
6. Pueblo Cicada
7. His Silent Film
8. The Ventiloquist
9. If We Speak Quietly
10.T
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