Clatter - "5 Song Demo"

Album review by Mark Cuthbertson

Since becoming a duo, Clatter has turned to synthesizers and V-Drums to fill the void left by a former electric guitar player. Previewing a full-length album currently in the works, Amy Humphrey and Joe Hayes sport a full palette of alternative sounds and moods on this demo.

Stylistically, Clatter covers a fair amount of ground, but not enough to easily identify where this demo should be displayed in a music store. I suppose they are "Alternative" in the Portishead/Sara MacLachlan/Bjork sense. "Blue Edna" is moody and quiet, featuring piano, Amy's voice and bass, and a simple pulse from standard drum sounds. "For Her" and "Hill of Doom" utilize more synth sounds familiar to some on R&B and pop airwaves. The former approximates Bjork or Luscious Jackson while the latter is more reminiscent of female artists of the eighties (remember Laura Branigan?). (Of course, these comparisons are unfair to say the least, but...) "Wither" and "Far From Romance" are also dark, brooding songs, but these feature spicy Latin and/or sampled percussion kicks, tasteful piano phrases and bass arpeggios, and emotionally powerful and lamenting refrains. A conversation could be heard over this band, I suppose.

It would be interesting to hear the other songs to be added for the upcoming album. The music on this demo isn't typically the sort of thing heard in many clubs -- not mosh-inducing nor -make-ya-shake-yer-booty material (at least not a majority of it), yet the songs hold my attention and convey their energy effectively. Think you've heard it all before? Spin this disc and hear what all the Clatter is about for yourself!

--Mark Cuthbertson

more on Clatter