i-(DEF)-i
"A CURSE BENEATH THE SURFACE"
(Independent - Volcanic)

LIMITED EDITION EP REVIEW

"...ballsy, hard and heavy rock with a ferocious metallic edge - at times it’s simply brutal
 - but as to juxtapose that simplicity, the melodic intensity cuts deeper than any sharpened blade."

01. WHEN VENUS SENDS A BLACK
      ROSE (4:37)
02. STRAYED FROM HOME (5:53)
 03. THE SERAPHIM’S TORCH (4:45)
 04. FRAILTY (6:19)
 05. …AND THE MEMORIES SHALL
      FALL (4:28)
 06. SURFACE TENSION (8:46)

i-(DEF)-i “A Curse Beneath The Surface” EP

Length:  34:51 (min:secs)
Released: March 2005

 

band@i-def-i.co.uk
 www.i-def-i.com

Previous i-(DEF)-i Reviews:
i-(DEF)-i “AUGUST 2004" SAMPLER
i-(DEF)-i "SEPTEMBER 2002" DEMO EP

[ BACK ]   [ MAIN ]

 Feeling very privileged to receive this release from the established talents of Manchester’s i-(DEF)-i, this limited edition six-track EP - that was recorded during Nov 2004 - features four new songs and reinvigorated versions of two tracks from last years demo. Their style is ballsy, hard and heavy rock with a ferocious metallic edge - at times it’s simply brutal - but as to juxtapose that simplicity, the melodic intensity cuts deeper than any sharpened blade.

“When Venus Sends A Black Rose” and “Frailty” are the two previously recorded tracks and both are outstanding (detailed review August 2004 demo). “Strayed From Home” nicely typifies their well written blend of hard rock and metal, with powerfully booming, often downtuned riffs and pilling rhythms, but tempered by a wonderful sense of melody - in exactly the places it needs to be. This gives such a good balance to the songs, as well as adding extra dimension and quality. This song - as with “And The Memories Shall Fall” - displays some nicely crafted melodies, harmonies and awesome vocals from the truly excellent voice of Chris Mahar.

“The Seraphim’s Torch” really kicks off, showing their blisteringly brutal side before slowing down into a classy chorus and mid-section, but just prefacing the breakdown into more mayhem. “Surface Tension” takes a much slower tempo - it feels more sophisticated - and with a genteel keyboard outro that fades out to the serene sound of trickling water.

Each set of new songs from i-(DEF)-i are always something to look forward to. It gives a welcome opportunity to see how their distinctive style has progressed and to hear more of that fantastic voice. This EP shows gentle maturity and a better use of the melodic vocals, which is wonderful to observe and helps underline the strength of Chris’s voice - it’s one of the best rock voices you’ll come across. All this makes the prospect of their forthcoming new EP in September very exciting indeed - bring it on!

12345678910 - Rigsby  (12th July, 2005)
www.iwillbeheard.co.uk