DEMO EP REVIEW

UNCOMFORTABLY NATURAL
(Self Release)

1. THE ORGANISED SOUND OF CHAOS
2. UNCOMFORTABLY NATURAL
3. BIG TIME
4. DISILLUSIONED SOULS
(PLAGUED BY WEAKNESS)

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Originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham, S.M.I.L.E. (Small Minded Idiots Lack Expression) have unleashed Uncomfortably Natural, a skull-cracking 4-track EP upon an unsuspecting scene that should simply blow it away.

Within seconds of the opening track - The Organised Sound Of Chaos - it's clear that these guys are out to impress and it has to be said that they certainly achieve that. Aptly demonstrated with the first song producing a cauldron of styles, which show a perverted mix of thrash/death/hardcore/ska/trad and even a suggestion of nu, this sound has more faces than Alister McGowen. It begins with a blastbeat worthy of the finest that death could offer but quickly turns to ska and then to pure melody all within less than a minute!

They use the best of power, aggression and melody with an austere elaboration combining a collection of styles that they have managed to dovetail together beautifully. At times they sound like a more accessible Dillinger Escape Plan particularly the unpredictability of the jazzy elements, but they mix it with the hardness of Converge and the dirtiness of Entombed. Showing great invention and insight into how to write songs that have this multiple schizophrenia but retain accessibility and identity. There is also some great variety in the vocals featuring a range from superb singing to throat tearing roars.

Dynamic and inspired, simplistic complexity, but most of all an interesting listen. Every now and again a band comes along that's really exciting and has a sound that oozes promise. S.M.I.L.E. are one of those bands, a band you want to hear much more of!

Band Website:
www.preciouslife.cjb.net