After The Bath – Demo 2003

Russell

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Jul 15, 2001
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The starry attic
www.russellgarwood.co.uk
After The Bath – Demo 2003
Self released – Demo – 2003
By Russell Garwood

After The Bath are back, with a brand new demo, and a new guitarist as part of the line-up. Shane Gill has been replaced by Paul Turzio, while the rest of the band remain as Eric Cire (guitar), David Deceglie (vox), Chris Konoski (bass) and Vinny Savino (drummer). Collectively these five New Yorkers have their own, unique style of emo-hardcore; clean vocals reminiscent of Robert Smith provide claustrophobically morose melodies, under which tuneful guitars interweave to make complex songs. Occasional screams and non-distorted sections add variety, while the slightly distant bass is complex and well worth listening out for. The drums complete a skilled rhythm section – while not overly complicated, they are powerful and effective.

The five tracks on this latest recording include a new version of "Wrongplace" (from the group’s 2002 demo) which has relatively few changes, while the other four songs are brand new and of the same consistently high quality. There is little change in style – only, perhaps, a greater contrast between quieter and heavier sections, but After The Bath have no need to change as their tunes are memorable and addictive. The production on this recording is also of a high standard and, while not perfect, it is easily better than many demos, making for an accessible professional-sounding release. With two excellent records under their belt, After The Bath have a very bright future before them, and if they continue in a similar vein I can’t see them being unsigned for much longer!