Farmakon A Warm Glimpse
Elitist MOSH907CD 04/08/2003
By Russell Garwood
Farmakons debut album an ever changing journey where every song is about as surprising as, well, finding a truck driver in your lovers pants. The song writing is hardly surprising considering the bands well publicised alcoholic tendencies, skipping from a largely death metal-based sound into relaxed funk sections, before completely turning around with thrash influences, only to be juxtaposed by acoustics and jazz leanings. The level of intoxication, you will be pleased to hear, has not affected the technical ability of the young musicians, as all instruments are well-performed in a sound that is bristling with originality.
Vocals courtesy of Marko are clearly Patton-influenced, but this in no way works against them death growls and shouting add harsher elements, while singing shows an impressive range, and occasional completely insane sections defy description. Sung lines are not catchy, but are always well-placed, often playing off transitions between guitar styles. These are played by Toni and Lassi, with acoustics adding respite, distorted sections still betraying melody and effects-laden clean tones offering a (more) unhinged edge. Marko is also responsible for the bass duties, which are skilfully performed; funk sections allow a solo feel, with a complexity that is maintained throughout. This leaves the excellent drums of Riku which manage to match every style to perfection in the kaleidoscopic music, with sharp time signature changes and a varied style.
In case you hadnt guessed, Im extremely impressed with Farmakon. Not only do they have an eclectic, original sound, it is all cohesive (some may disagree) and clearly has the same creative origin. So if youre after some truly oddball death metal, "A Warm Glimpse" will fulfill your every need. If you are less open to new ideas, stay well away..
Elitist MOSH907CD 04/08/2003
By Russell Garwood
Farmakons debut album an ever changing journey where every song is about as surprising as, well, finding a truck driver in your lovers pants. The song writing is hardly surprising considering the bands well publicised alcoholic tendencies, skipping from a largely death metal-based sound into relaxed funk sections, before completely turning around with thrash influences, only to be juxtaposed by acoustics and jazz leanings. The level of intoxication, you will be pleased to hear, has not affected the technical ability of the young musicians, as all instruments are well-performed in a sound that is bristling with originality.
Vocals courtesy of Marko are clearly Patton-influenced, but this in no way works against them death growls and shouting add harsher elements, while singing shows an impressive range, and occasional completely insane sections defy description. Sung lines are not catchy, but are always well-placed, often playing off transitions between guitar styles. These are played by Toni and Lassi, with acoustics adding respite, distorted sections still betraying melody and effects-laden clean tones offering a (more) unhinged edge. Marko is also responsible for the bass duties, which are skilfully performed; funk sections allow a solo feel, with a complexity that is maintained throughout. This leaves the excellent drums of Riku which manage to match every style to perfection in the kaleidoscopic music, with sharp time signature changes and a varied style.
In case you hadnt guessed, Im extremely impressed with Farmakon. Not only do they have an eclectic, original sound, it is all cohesive (some may disagree) and clearly has the same creative origin. So if youre after some truly oddball death metal, "A Warm Glimpse" will fulfill your every need. If you are less open to new ideas, stay well away..
