Confession time: I was going to burn this record to the ground. I wasn’t writing a review yet, just listening to the album, but I had some really not nice things to say. And then everything changed. Why? Well, I decided to see if my problems with the album could be solved by playing it from another source. I thought the production was so shitty it made the album unlistenable. First I blamed the cheap in-ear headphones I use during my commute, but the problem persisted when I played the tunes on my expensive speakers at home. It turns out either the download I received was terrible or perhaps compressed into oblivion. The sound quality is just fine when I play this album on Bandcamp (even on my cheap in-ear headphones).
So here we are, ready for my second attempt to write a review. When listening to the correct version of the album all of a sudden it is no longer a chore to listen to this album. In conclusion: I am so happy to have checked the album from a different sources. After this long introduction it is time to introduce the band whose album we are discussing here. Every Face Becomes A Skull is an English band from Nottingham. This self-titled album is their debut full-length.
At first listen I knew it reminded me of another band, but couldn’t figure out which band. It took me a couple of spins to finally figure out which band they remind me of: Stretch Arm Strong. As that band changed their style over time it doesn’t hurt to pinpoint which album sounds closest and that would be: A Revolution Transmission.
Once upon a time I was really interested in what came out on Solid State Records, as that seemed to be the place where a lot of interesting stuff was happening. This is also where I became acquainted with Stretch Arms Strong. I was a big fan of Rituals Of Life and A Revolution Transmission, but never delved deeper into that specific sound. I did not listen to this type of stuff for ages, but Every Face Becomes A Skull made me realize I miss that sound, so I am happy to have heard this record.
As much as I am reminded of that album, this is not a carbon copy. The band worked to get their own sound. They do this by incorporating other influences as well, I think to hear some early Comeback Kid for example. I wanted to highlight a couple of songs, but after several spins my conclusion is that this is an album without real highs or lows. It is very consistent and the kind of album I prefer to listen to in one sitting. Well, truth be told, I found myself listening to it two or three times in a row most of the time. These ten songs only last about 22 minutes and the album just asks for repeated listens.
The production is crystal clear and fitting for the style. Every instrument can be heard and appreciated. In their promo they mention this album is a showcase for how good JT Soar (where they recorded the album) has become. That is no false statement! I can not write this review without mentioning the artwork. It seems to be heavily inspired by Klimt and turned out beautiful.
The band's songwriting ideal is: keep it short, keep up the energy. They lived up to this ideal! Although Every Band Becomes A Skull doesn’t really bring anything new to the table they do revive an old and familiar sound. A sound I didn’t even know I missed. I know now, so I hope to hear more from this band!
