Wolverhampton's Lions Of Dissent, Fear Of Loathing - EP review
Wolverhampton's Lions Of Dissent have returned with their sophomore EP Fear Of Loathing.
The collective have moulded five tracks into one continuous piece of music, creating what they describe as "a window into another universe – a combination of big ideas, gigantic ambition and unfiltered expression".
Ambition is correct, and they have nailed this one.
More coverage:
Written, recorded and self-produced by the band at their studio based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter it samples this, that and the other to create a beautifully crafted electronic adventure through the aural landscape of psychedelia.
It's difficult to pigeonhole artists of this type, particularly those like Lions Of Dissent who merge their music with art and performance techniques to make their gigs more than just 'a band playing music'. But there is definitely a lot of peak Kasabian in here, whether it by the rising synths that often see tracks out - the closing notes of opener Dopamine Scream could have been lifted from the Club Foot/Processed Beats fading - or vocalist Tim Baker's likeness in delivery at times to Tom Meighan.
What we have are five big-sounding potential live anthems that take the retro look-backs of former The Star Unsigned column act Grande Valise and drag them into the futuristic soundscapes of modern psychedelia.
There's some unashamedly poppy guitars throughout Dopamine Scream that make for a shout-out-loud chorus, an otherworldly, Eastern-inspired aura to Dead Sea Symphony, and some fist-bumping The Music-esque disco-rock powering the exceptional closer Casablanca.
Each of the five segments, or tracks, offers you something different in tempo, atmosphere and direction. But rather than sound a mess it works perfectly.
In short, it's mesmerising from the former The Star Unsigned column act. And each time you plug in and play something else grabs your attention and takes you off on a full-senses expedition.
It's not often an EP scores so highly due to their often experimental feel or the fact they are so short and shrift. But the thought and creation here is obvious.
What is also likeable about their work is Baker and wife Lindsay - vocals and flute - are also behind local clothing collective True Reverie, who also do their best to help fledgling creatives in the city. So by buying this, you're indirectly helping others too. Get clicking.
Rating: 8/10
