|
Amityville is the latest project from former Geneva
frontman Andrew Montgomery. His voice has matured and attained
a much more rounded quality since those early days touring with
The Catherine Wheel and recording the Libertine
album. This new band is far more advanced in attitude and sound,
as well.
The Pacific Radio Fire e.p. is three songs that each have
a distinctly different sound, while obviously living under the
same musical umbrella. Montgomery's writing has become far more
complex and dark, which is a great gift to my ears. These songs
have sprung from some sort of melancholy of the soul, a place
where the best music is ultimately born. Montgomery seems to have
left off writing quirky and brilliant pop songs, and turned instead
to exploring some of the depths of darkness that the human soul
hides.
"Shots In The Distance" is a brilliant and up-tempo
track that nicely showcases the musical influence that bands
like the aforementioned Catherine Wheel have had on Montgomery.
Filled with thick guitars and groovy drum lines, e-bow feedback-heavy
hooks, and the soaring vocals of Montgomery himself, this song
is a truly nice introduction to the new project. "How You
Been?" is much more downbeat, with plaintive piano lines
and strangely echoed vocal lines. A bit of the young Montgomery
peaks out here, with the vocals not quite being as strong as
I'd like to hear, but the lyrical content more than strengthens
the overall song. Closing out the e.p. is "Closer Now",
a very Brit-pop/college rock song that at times takes me strolling
down memory lane to the early 90's and the pantheon of music
that was being made at that time. Amazing production and tight
rhythm tracks really make this song shine.
I'm eager to hear more music from Amityville, as well as see
them live. I've gotten it on fairly good authority that the
shows these fellows play in the UK are well attended, and for
good reason. If these songs translate as well as the old Geneva
songs did on stage, then I think Amityville has a very bright
future.
-L. Keane
Track Listing:
1. Shots In The Distance
2. How You Been?
3. Closer Now
Check out
more reviews
 Talk
Back
e-mail the chief
Like this article?
e-mail
it to a friend!
|
Amityville
