12:06 12:06AM
Self released Demo 2002
By Russell Garwood
Massachusetts 12:06 are an interesting proposition; female fronted, the band play rock/metal with goth, alternative and perhaps some thrash touches. This, their debut, is a full blown concept album, documenting the final few days of an abusive relationship.
Tracy OConnors vocals are often sung, but sound more like tuneful speaking than true singing; this is quite effective, however, considering the narrative they have to convey. Spoken sections are also used to good effect, and occasional vox by guitarist George OConnor are also fitting, especially in the context of the story often dual lines are used as arguments in the disintegrating relationship. The guitars courtesy of George and Jon Burnim are not particularly heavy, focusing instead on melodies and solos, while acoustics add variation and an organic feel lacking from many of the other instruments. Drums played by Shawn McHatton are powerful and relatively straightforward, but some sections are so heavily triggered that Im sure some programming is used. This helps build a cold, cynical feel, amplified by the spite-filled and utterly bleak lyrics.
Bassist Kyle Kydd completes a tight rhythm section, whose prominent lines help propel the music and concept to its inexorable conclusion. For a debut album "12:06 AM" is an impressive effort, and documents a band with a bright future. It is not without faults, however; the music while well-written can feel samey, and despite the story and some variation can begin to drag. However, with a little improvement this could easily change, and by the time you reach the last track ("12:06 A.M."), such minor problems are easily forgotten as you get sucked in to the story and its excellent finale.
Self released Demo 2002
By Russell Garwood
Massachusetts 12:06 are an interesting proposition; female fronted, the band play rock/metal with goth, alternative and perhaps some thrash touches. This, their debut, is a full blown concept album, documenting the final few days of an abusive relationship.
Tracy OConnors vocals are often sung, but sound more like tuneful speaking than true singing; this is quite effective, however, considering the narrative they have to convey. Spoken sections are also used to good effect, and occasional vox by guitarist George OConnor are also fitting, especially in the context of the story often dual lines are used as arguments in the disintegrating relationship. The guitars courtesy of George and Jon Burnim are not particularly heavy, focusing instead on melodies and solos, while acoustics add variation and an organic feel lacking from many of the other instruments. Drums played by Shawn McHatton are powerful and relatively straightforward, but some sections are so heavily triggered that Im sure some programming is used. This helps build a cold, cynical feel, amplified by the spite-filled and utterly bleak lyrics.
Bassist Kyle Kydd completes a tight rhythm section, whose prominent lines help propel the music and concept to its inexorable conclusion. For a debut album "12:06 AM" is an impressive effort, and documents a band with a bright future. It is not without faults, however; the music while well-written can feel samey, and despite the story and some variation can begin to drag. However, with a little improvement this could easily change, and by the time you reach the last track ("12:06 A.M."), such minor problems are easily forgotten as you get sucked in to the story and its excellent finale.
