Number One Son Hourglass
Single, Torment 23CD Visible Noise 20th May 2002
By Russell Garwood
Number One Son hail from Liverpool, a city not often associated with bands of a metal variety. Hourglass, their debut single, was released through Visible Noise (the label founded by Julie Weir of Cacophonous fame) on the 20th of May. Playing a variation on melodic nu-metal, you have to wonder where their priorities lie when the inlay notes state Number One Son wear Lord clothing. Luckily, however, the band seem to have paid as much attention to their music as they have to their appearance.
The title track begins with some crunching guitars before entering the usual quieter emotional form of the nu-metal verse. Vocals courtesy of Nic Whitmore are sung rather than the typical nu-metal shout. This leads into the heavier but still melodic chorus which is unmistakably nu, from the funky guitar rhythm to the cymbal heavy drums. Towards the end the vox rather predictably turn into yells, after which the intro of Just Tune In with an opening bellow of fuck everything doesnt come as a shock. This follows a similar format to the last song quiet verses, heavy choruses and catchy melodies, but has an enjoyable quieter interlude halfway through. Second B-side Make Waves is slightly slower, while reminiscent of the other two songs in writing and structure.
Hourglass is an enjoyable single, with, as you would expect, excellent production. While the band do nothing new with these three songs, whether into nu-metal or melodic music in general, as long as you dont mind a slight lack of originality, this would be a welcome addition to your collection.
Single, Torment 23CD Visible Noise 20th May 2002
By Russell Garwood
Number One Son hail from Liverpool, a city not often associated with bands of a metal variety. Hourglass, their debut single, was released through Visible Noise (the label founded by Julie Weir of Cacophonous fame) on the 20th of May. Playing a variation on melodic nu-metal, you have to wonder where their priorities lie when the inlay notes state Number One Son wear Lord clothing. Luckily, however, the band seem to have paid as much attention to their music as they have to their appearance.
The title track begins with some crunching guitars before entering the usual quieter emotional form of the nu-metal verse. Vocals courtesy of Nic Whitmore are sung rather than the typical nu-metal shout. This leads into the heavier but still melodic chorus which is unmistakably nu, from the funky guitar rhythm to the cymbal heavy drums. Towards the end the vox rather predictably turn into yells, after which the intro of Just Tune In with an opening bellow of fuck everything doesnt come as a shock. This follows a similar format to the last song quiet verses, heavy choruses and catchy melodies, but has an enjoyable quieter interlude halfway through. Second B-side Make Waves is slightly slower, while reminiscent of the other two songs in writing and structure.
Hourglass is an enjoyable single, with, as you would expect, excellent production. While the band do nothing new with these three songs, whether into nu-metal or melodic music in general, as long as you dont mind a slight lack of originality, this would be a welcome addition to your collection.
