InMe : 'Herald Moth'
Released: 31st August 2009
Label:Graphite Records
Now onto their fourth album, the undoubtedly talented InMe have come a long way in the 13 years they have been together. From early teen anthem “Crushed Like Fruit” they have ridden highs and lows, yet always managing to retain a delightfully distinctive edge to their sound. And Herald Moth is no exception. Filled with some excellent riffs and Dave McPherson's powerful vocals, the familiar sound is alive and kicking. Yet whilst sticking to a tried and tested formula in the main, the band have made changes in other areas. The addition of second guitarist Ben Konstantinovic has added another dimension to their sound, with it now possessing considerably more texture and depth. It has also presented an opportunity to write heavier, more aggressive material, resulting in an album brimming with passion, energy and substance.
Perhaps most crucially, Konstantinovic's addition has allowed McPherson, previously the vocalist and lead guitarist, to share guitaring responsibilities and allow for a greater depth in instrumentation. Perhaps one of the only criticisms of some early InMe tracks were that, given the weight of responsibility placed on McPherson, either the vocal or melodic elements lacked in depth. Yet with dual guitars, the band have been given the shot in the arm that they needed, creating exciting and complex tracks. Each has aggression pulsing through every note, with “You Won't Hear From Me Again” and “Captain Killjoy” in particular getting the adrenaline well and truly flowing. With a dirty distortion and crunching sustain of the guitars the band really are in their element, thrashing from start to finish with McPherson growling, crooning and wailing about the place. Terrific track “Nova Armada” sees all out screaming from the vocalist, it's thunderous crisp riffs stopping just short of an out metal.
It appears that, given the extra freedom afforded, the band have really come into their own, developing a style to their enjoyment. Their heavier, dirtier image sees a foray into guitar solos that drop the jaw, brimming with runs, flicks and a deliciously sweet sound for good measure. Whilst possessing a rather blunt chorus, “Captain Killjoy” serves as a terrific example, whilst “Ferocity In Desire” showcases intricate, clever riffs that form the basis of yet another solid, impressive song. Far from being simply just the guitars that make the album, each element of instrumentation appears to be running off a new engine, with the drumming pounding consistently and expertly and the bass anchoring each track with unassuming competence.
What shines through most on Herald Moth is the new level of maturity that is evidently running through the band. With a new sound and an added dimension, the song construction has gone through the roof, producing well rounded tracks that reflect their development. “I Will Honour You” could perhaps be referred to as the token slower track on a raucous album, yet it's full sound, subtle orchestral undertone and understated vocals make it much more than just your run of the mill attempt. It is this consideration and thought process that makes each track so compelling. Of course, there is the odd exception, with “Single Of The Weak” falling short thanks to it's failed attempt at a social commentary on the music industry and a lifeless chorus, but these are minor blips in an album brimming with positives.
Yet out of all of these many positives, what is most gratifying about the album is the sense of pleasure embedded in every track. It feels that, for the first time in a while, the band have really cut loose and written material that they want to play. Each chugging riff and howled chorus is filled with such passion and feeling that it is virtually impossible not to appreciate the effort and thought that has gone into the album. Couple that with some truly impressive musicianship and tracks to blow you away, and you have an album that shows a band doing what they do best.
Words: Dan Grose
Posts: 2
Reply #1 on : Thu July 23, 2009, 06:02:06
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Posts: 2
Reply #2 on : Mon August 17, 2009, 23:21:40