I very nearly saw this band, in a barn, no less. From the time I saw the flier I was stoked on the show; black and white crass styled font, touring international hardcore bands, and almost certainly couscous or lentils. The show was unfortunately cancelled. I think I had to work anyway. I'm glad I picked up this CD, though. I could, at the very least, see what I missed. The OK Computer-esque artwork wasn't giving me any clues. Though I was happy to see a variant from the traditional "gruesome war scene, band name" formula.
Pechblende hail from Quebec, a scene that produced the now defunct, but wonderful Cobra Noir. Pechblende's sound isn't far from that of Cobra Noir's; dark, brooding hardcore with just enough metal to not be corny. From Ashes Rise, His Hero is Gone et al come to mind. That isn't to say that Pechblende is a clone, there are some welcome melodies and guitar hooks that echo Saetia or Orchid. Collapse's eight tracks go by at a moderate pace, with some nice melodic breaks from the fast drum/vocal assaults.
"Cars Make Shadows" pretty well captures their sound. A deep melodic guitar intro gives way to the traditional Tragedy-styled verses, then, a transition to a melodic break. This is the part where you stop running in a circle and gently nod your head and look at your feet. The songs are interestingly paced; there isn't a clear formula that inhibits so many other bands. The addition of "Taepodong I" and "Taepodong II" serve as sort of instrumental bookends. The last three tracks shine in particular, the aforementioned "Cars Make Shadows," instrumental "Taepodong II," and closer "Collapse."
The eight-song length wouldn't suggest this is an LP, but the songs can sometimes drag on. The lyrics aren't as major a divergence as the music; they're mostly meditations on the modern world, capitalism, and the monotony of a suit and tie. They're delivered well enough though. The vocalist has good intensity and variation. My only complaint is that the drums are a bit understated at times, the guitar tone isn't exactly what you'd expect from this type of music, but, nonetheless, it works well. It's interesting to see a single vocalist tackle this style. This band isn't following conventions, which is impressive because they simultaneously warrant comparison to some of the greats of the genre. For a debut release Collapse is promising. If Pechblende can continue to evolve as a band they may very well become the object, rather than the subject, of comparison.
