Immune Immune
Gizeh Records GR-09 August 2003
By Russell Garwood
Immune are an impressive UK-based five piece; responsible for a bizarre mixture of Tool-influenced metal and Portishead/Massive Attack style trip-hop, they inject this with their own ideas and strong personal identity. High, fragile vocals suit the music to perfection, stronger, driving bass utilises repetitive - but memorable - lines, and largely clean guitar tones add a dreamy, melancholic edge. The distorted sections are a welcome contrast, using repetition to good effect, while the drums flow with the musics ever-changing moods.
Immune have also mastered the art of slow building crescendos, and frequent catchy hooks remain interesting throughout multiple listens all juxtaposed by more complex jazzy melodies. The synth work reminds me of Notwist and its brother bands, using noise-based sounds for rhythm, and short beeps for melody, and forms a valuable addition to an already multi-faceted sound. This originality, paired with changing but generally downcast moods makes for a very successful release; "Immune" is perfect late night, contemplative yet metallic listening, that is likely to be welcomed by Tool and trip-hop fans. This said, their music is diverse and unusual enough to attract a far more varied core audience, and this release is well worth checking out, even if you arent a fan of the aforementioned bands and styles.
Gizeh Records GR-09 August 2003
By Russell Garwood
Immune are an impressive UK-based five piece; responsible for a bizarre mixture of Tool-influenced metal and Portishead/Massive Attack style trip-hop, they inject this with their own ideas and strong personal identity. High, fragile vocals suit the music to perfection, stronger, driving bass utilises repetitive - but memorable - lines, and largely clean guitar tones add a dreamy, melancholic edge. The distorted sections are a welcome contrast, using repetition to good effect, while the drums flow with the musics ever-changing moods.
Immune have also mastered the art of slow building crescendos, and frequent catchy hooks remain interesting throughout multiple listens all juxtaposed by more complex jazzy melodies. The synth work reminds me of Notwist and its brother bands, using noise-based sounds for rhythm, and short beeps for melody, and forms a valuable addition to an already multi-faceted sound. This originality, paired with changing but generally downcast moods makes for a very successful release; "Immune" is perfect late night, contemplative yet metallic listening, that is likely to be welcomed by Tool and trip-hop fans. This said, their music is diverse and unusual enough to attract a far more varied core audience, and this release is well worth checking out, even if you arent a fan of the aforementioned bands and styles.
