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7 out of 10
One thing that really amuses me is when you are talking to someone at work, for example, about a band that they haven't heard of and you're trying to describe them but they only know 2 bands of the same genre. Take The Comanche Cipher for example, I bet when someone asks them what their band sounds like they will say something like "we're heavy, hardcore metal type stuff" and the person will say "Like Slipknot" "No, not Slipknot" "Oh, like Metallica".
Anyway, The Comanche Cipher's EP "Ludovico Technique" is a bit like Slipknot.not really.
If Botch, Poison the Well & Between the Buried & Me (Old stuff) had a slightly unoriginal British baby then The Comanche Cipher would be it. Now, I use the word unoriginal for good reason, I'm not trying to be insulting to these Guildford boys but you have to realise that when you make this type of noise that there is a 99% chance there is a band that has already done it although, that doesn't mean to say it's not good? If I was in a band who was getting pigeon-holed in the Botch/Poison the Well category then I'd be pretty chuffed.
For the duration of this EP it's pretty unrelenting, technical & heavy with some crushing but clever riffage alongside some melodic quiet bits which, although cliché, add nicely to the dynamics. The drums are simple but effective, which is pleasant because so many bands in this sort of genre try to massively overdo it on the drums. The drumming is solid and not too repetitive which is exactly what this band needs. Some of the riffs fall squarely into realms of generic metalcore/hardcore with some well-timed "beatdowns", and slow chugga chugga riffs. My only real gripe with this record is the vocals. Not only are the vocals very boring but also they are pretty weak sounding. Frankly, it sounds a bit like he's trying too hard in some places and is struggling to get the sound he wants. But, on saying that, in 75% of this record the vocals fit in nicely and are playing second fiddle to the crushing riffage.
So, in summary, yes, this is predictable, generic & unoriginal but it's also extremely well done, crushing, clever & perfectly executed. The Comache Cipher is not going to smash down any genre walls but they are certainly one of the best British bands in their field. Without a doubt, the first track "Nervous Smiles & Secret Conversations" is the best track on the EP, superb stuff.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thecomanchecipher
Tracklist:
1. Nervous Smiles & Secret Conversations
2. Swimming with Sharks
3. Fall of the Beloved
4. Today's Fashions are Tomorrows Tragedies
5. Red Dress Programme
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