CONOR QUINN AND THE WHITE CHALK
8
Golden Kids
This is fired up from the very second you hear “The Architects” play. It breaks through in the rhythm, yet the compact feel from it also channels the right qualities in the delivery. That picks up the pieces and fits them together here. Dead centre is the best way of describing how “Wolf Watching opens because it is able to hold back in a defined way. The softer lush that gives rise to the actualised aspects that it needs to. “Fade To Grey” is another languid number. The tempo peters through here while the piano gives it a broad definition that gets behind the playing. The subtle way that it all carries through here merges delicately to bring the flow of it all together. There is another subtle carriage about things with “Atlantica”. It draws a lot of the right measurements into the mix and as a result it is somewhat intriguing. From that seeped effort comes “Carnival Of Lights”. This seems to react cleanly with how it is all ushered in because it picks up the pace. The way that the tempo is locked in electrifies. It comes together in a way that they clearly and cleverly run with all the way through.
.......................................................................................................................... CROUPIER The Visor
The best intentions are on show with how creative “Power Up” displays the right qualities that the band has. Abundant and crisp it is able to demonstrate a lot of incredible effort in the way they manage to get behind the playing on this. The drive it has collects in a telling way. Again there is a lot to say about the leanings in their sound on “Chandelier”. This seems to be more expressive and the development of a calypso tone in the way it is done underlines this quite figuratively. The demanding way that they push it all ahead garners a lot to appreciate. “Columns” is the third track on the EP. It is another effort that has a calypso element that meets with a very expansive side. The way that it all collects shows a bright and colourful run to it that proves a smart and definitive calling from the band in the process. Musically astute it also hangs in a way that is very absorbing when you listen to it. Things take a more sturdy direction with “Defector”. This is again a case of the group being fearless in their endeavour to push the boundaries of what they can do musically. What shows on this is an effort that manages it well and also proves their innovative credentials at the same time. The last track here is “Myriad”. An oriental feel is picked up on in the intro which then begins to build smartly. The scope of how appealing it proves to be is undeniable as the rhythm very cleanly rises.
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