EP REVIEW
THE BLUEPRINT
1.
ELEMENTS OF REFUSAL
Available from 16th June, 2003. |
There aren’t many that still need an introduction to
The Blueprint, but if you do then take a
read of the review for their first EP
Zero*Zero*One. It’s
probably a good starting point anyway because this - their follow-up - is
very much Part Two of the story, showing their amazing development and
resulting in a far tighter sound. “Ecliptic” contains six songs of mesmerising melodies capturing your attention, while sporadically turning destructive and threatening to unleash into something much more brutal before regaining their composure and once again detaining your interest. Opening song “Elements Of Refusal” is a cool atmospheric instrumental that plays a great support role to “This Ends Here” which pleasingly carries on where the "Zero*Zero*One" EP left off. “Hail Of Splinters” starts almost Thin Lizzy-esque before blending further into a charismatic moment of memorable heavy rock to be savoured. The longest track “Scorched Earth Policy” runs with a Tool vibe meandering throughout but still retains that strong underlining Blueprint hallmark. Both “Elements Of Refusal” and particularly “International House Of Dirt” have a great deal of Earthtone9 influence (the latter crowned by an excellent closing few moments). Karl's vocals are as good and distinctive as ever, it’s great to hear so much of his truly excellent voice in full melodic flow, as well as at its throat tearing best - right through you’ll find a nice balance of both aspects. As a band they have really come together on this EP and are now writing some very mature rock songs. Songs that definitely have deeper qualities and require a few listens to become familiar and then you can really enjoy - there’s no instant shot in the arm - which is no great surprise as the first EP was like that also. There’s a hell of a lot of melody to be found here - its not all flat-out rockers - there is a huge amount of subtlety involved, where the power is delivered cerebrally and doesn’t just batter you over the head. So, The Blueprint complete their Master Class Part Two, again showing how to take melody and make it sound intensely aggressive. Listen and learn.
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- Rigsby (15th September, 2003) |
