Undefined - A Split Second Of Divinity
Self released - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Wolverhampton-based metal quintet Undefined are a regular fixture on the local live circuit, and have been busily gathering a dedicated fanbase as a result of their energetic performances and diversity of material. Occasionally employing groovy, funk-laden chops recalling earlier Incubus, elsewhere utilising punchy, aggressive riffwork and raw-throat vocals for an altogether more metallic feel, Undefined have no shortage of good ideas for their songs. This four-track demo shows the group off in a particularly favourable light - the clear, balanced production courtesy of The Den Studios in Dudley may have garnered a somewhat weedy guitar tone, but highlights the melodic backing vocals nicely.
Starting off the disc with the build-and-surge intro of 'Guide You Home', Undefined set out their stall with crunchy rhythm guitars, funky bass noodling and atmospheric-rather-than-shredding lead guitar work. The vocals range from rapid fire quasi-rap delivery, raw throated growls and more melodic clean singing, with the vocalist sounding more comfortable with the roars and screams, whilst the bassist and drummer back up the more melodic vocals. As for the rest of the disc, the last two tracks are the highlights - 'Your Face Says' showing the group at their most melodic and funk-infused, 'The Dice Man' displaying their knack for more straightforward, aggressively metallic material.
Overall, the material is well-written and impressively played, although occasionally the songs do feel like they could benefit from being a tad shorter. You get the impression that the band have a lot of great songwriting ideas, but suffer as a result of trying to get them all into every song, rather than focusing on the best ones. As an introduction to the group, however, A Split Second Of Divinity lays a solid foundation for further development.
7/10
Official Undefined Website
Self released - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Wolverhampton-based metal quintet Undefined are a regular fixture on the local live circuit, and have been busily gathering a dedicated fanbase as a result of their energetic performances and diversity of material. Occasionally employing groovy, funk-laden chops recalling earlier Incubus, elsewhere utilising punchy, aggressive riffwork and raw-throat vocals for an altogether more metallic feel, Undefined have no shortage of good ideas for their songs. This four-track demo shows the group off in a particularly favourable light - the clear, balanced production courtesy of The Den Studios in Dudley may have garnered a somewhat weedy guitar tone, but highlights the melodic backing vocals nicely.
Starting off the disc with the build-and-surge intro of 'Guide You Home', Undefined set out their stall with crunchy rhythm guitars, funky bass noodling and atmospheric-rather-than-shredding lead guitar work. The vocals range from rapid fire quasi-rap delivery, raw throated growls and more melodic clean singing, with the vocalist sounding more comfortable with the roars and screams, whilst the bassist and drummer back up the more melodic vocals. As for the rest of the disc, the last two tracks are the highlights - 'Your Face Says' showing the group at their most melodic and funk-infused, 'The Dice Man' displaying their knack for more straightforward, aggressively metallic material.
Overall, the material is well-written and impressively played, although occasionally the songs do feel like they could benefit from being a tad shorter. You get the impression that the band have a lot of great songwriting ideas, but suffer as a result of trying to get them all into every song, rather than focusing on the best ones. As an introduction to the group, however, A Split Second Of Divinity lays a solid foundation for further development.
7/10
Official Undefined Website
