Blindfold are a five-piece band from Melbourne, combining raw punk with alternative rock smarts they are forging a sound of their own, without forgetting what the great's have done before them. The group, which formed in 2011, have just started to get going and create a following in the local scene. Their band members on some hair-brained idea decided to only go by the initials of their last names, probably to add some mysteriousness. The line-up is currently featuring Alan T on vocals, Declan L-B on guitars/keyboard, Kevin T on bass/vocals, Jason H on guitars and Sagar I on drums/percussion.
Tracklisting:
1. Six Star Sunday
2. Chicago
3. You Could Follow
4. Denigrate
The opening track ensues with a clean buildup in the intro before going into an almost Gaslight Anthem jam. Echoey effects can be heard in the background channelling Pink Floyd's track of the same name. A very melodic solo is used to great effect in the outro of the song.
The second track brings out a more punk side to the demo, reminisscent of Bad Religion or The Offspring. Gang vocals cry out "Freedom" like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. A chaotic wah solo is unleashed before transitioning right back into the chorus.
An acoustic intro opens track three, older listeners (or Limp Bizkit fans..) will be reminded of Behind Blue Eyes, also kudos can be given to the band for the eerie Radiohead vibe present in the track. In the bridge, a bright piano is heard and an acoustic, almost flamenco solo is played lightly above the rest of the track.
The final track Denigrate is most definitely the loudest of the four. The vocals on it sound may sound ever so slightly processed, but used as an effect rather than relying on it. Kevin's bass works very well at holding down the bottom end in this track and a few interesting runs and lines are added in .
In conclusion this is a solid first effort from the band, if not leaving something to be desired, there is definitely a lot of room for this band to grow and extend their talents to big places.
Rating: 7/10
