EP REVIEW
SHELS 1.
ATOLL
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Many will already know the story of Medi Safa - the
songwriter, vocalist and driving force behind Mahumodo
- drawing together some friends to say goodbye to the old band as well as to
his time in the UK, before his impending return to California. A recording
session ensued that turned out to be the start of something special, which
was skilfully captured by Mark Williams and became the debut EP for
SHELS entitled “wingsfortheirsmiles”.
On this occasion it was with fellow ex-modo Tom Harriman [drums], Simon Davis and Adam Symonds from Eden Maine [on guitars and additional vocals] as well as the two Dave’s from Fireapple Red [on bass & guitars], but future ventures will inevitably be with other people, reflecting the ‘project’ rather than ‘band’ nature of this setup. For this review, describing the history is far easier than describing the music - now that’s a lot more difficult… From the onset “wingsfortheirsmiles” gently places you into an opaque capsule of fluttering vibes, the unswerving sensation of calm washes around nearby, instilling a pillar of tranquillity for protection. For this is the lull enjoying every second of its rule preparing for the inception of something it knows is certain. Punctuated by intricate guitar - tinkering - momentarily lighting a portion of sky, just taking the focus while always waiting for the instant to end, waiting to be drowned by the intenseness of the dark - something that is beautiful in its own right but as different as sand is to water and striking a mood that fits such a change. In an instant you’re swept away with devastating ease, intensity blossoms out of serenity, casting blushing melodies into brutal screams and shredding riffs. For now its harmonic savagery that paints the soundscape with a hypnotic atmosphere that draws you in deeper and deeper. Until absorbed by the passion and captivated by a meandering of eastern folds across the horizon, you’re rooted to the hope that it will never end. Without music like this, without someone throwing their heart and soul into what they are creating, without this injection of a magical something that makes a difference, then there just wouldn’t be any point listening to anything anymore - thank God for this splash of colour in a sea of grey!
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- Rigsby (12th
April, 2004) |
