Dead Letter Circus - The Catalyst Fire (09/08/2013)
Despite being regular fixtures on Triple J’s rotation, Brisbane’s Dead Letter Circus has flown under the mainstream radar for quite a while.
Consistently touring, they’ve released two EPs, a debut album (This Is The Warning, 2010), and teased new material in setlists for the past few years. They’re so busy; it’s little wonder that they’ve found the time to record their follow up album.
This Is The Warning was a landmark debut, hitting the ARIA charts at number one. Revered and praised by fans and critics alike, it put Dead Letter Circus’ name up amongst bands like Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect, and rightly so.
Part of this is due to the watchful eye and ear of long time collaborator, Forrester Savell. Savell is a well-known name in the Australian progressive rock scene, and his work on The Catalyst Fire is audibly recognisable.
From the opening riffs of The Cure, vocalist Kim Benzie confidently leads his comrades through the fire, with a highlight of the album being the appropriately titled Burning Man. Benzie’s distinctive strength as a vocalist lies in his ability to melodically hit the high notes, which in turn compliment beautifully against the precision of Luke Williams’ rhythmic drumming, and Steward Hill’s commanding basslines.
Former guitarist Rob Maric left DLC in 2012, and while the bands hardcore fans will notice his absence from this release, the addition of both Tom Skerlj and Clint Vincent (the latter of Melodyssey, a band DLC’s drummer Luke Williams previous played in) is admirable, with both stepping up to fill some very big shoes. Their performances are immaculate, particularly in Say Your Prayers, and Stand Apart, where they keep in with that signature sound that DLC have become accustomed for.
Lead single Lodestar is no doubt a high point of the album, but there are plenty of surprises to be found within, with The Veil and closing point Kachina both being tracks worthy of mention, with the latter fading out the album to its close.
The members of Dead Letter Circus know that they have a winning formula; there’s no doubt about that. Naturally, there was always going to be immense pressure to follow This Is The Warning up with an equally impressive sophomore.
Well, it’s good news for both the band, and their dedicated fans. With their second LP, The Catalyst Fire, Dead Letter Circus have exceeded expectations, and crafted a record that is textured with a sound that is both engaging and electrifying, while retaining that signature style that the dedicated have come to know and love.
For fans and newcomers alike, you’d be hard pressed to find any disappointment in The Catalyst Fire.
Luke Sutton
Consistently touring, they’ve released two EPs, a debut album (This Is The Warning, 2010), and teased new material in setlists for the past few years. They’re so busy; it’s little wonder that they’ve found the time to record their follow up album.
This Is The Warning was a landmark debut, hitting the ARIA charts at number one. Revered and praised by fans and critics alike, it put Dead Letter Circus’ name up amongst bands like Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect, and rightly so.
Part of this is due to the watchful eye and ear of long time collaborator, Forrester Savell. Savell is a well-known name in the Australian progressive rock scene, and his work on The Catalyst Fire is audibly recognisable.
From the opening riffs of The Cure, vocalist Kim Benzie confidently leads his comrades through the fire, with a highlight of the album being the appropriately titled Burning Man. Benzie’s distinctive strength as a vocalist lies in his ability to melodically hit the high notes, which in turn compliment beautifully against the precision of Luke Williams’ rhythmic drumming, and Steward Hill’s commanding basslines.
Former guitarist Rob Maric left DLC in 2012, and while the bands hardcore fans will notice his absence from this release, the addition of both Tom Skerlj and Clint Vincent (the latter of Melodyssey, a band DLC’s drummer Luke Williams previous played in) is admirable, with both stepping up to fill some very big shoes. Their performances are immaculate, particularly in Say Your Prayers, and Stand Apart, where they keep in with that signature sound that DLC have become accustomed for.
Lead single Lodestar is no doubt a high point of the album, but there are plenty of surprises to be found within, with The Veil and closing point Kachina both being tracks worthy of mention, with the latter fading out the album to its close.
The members of Dead Letter Circus know that they have a winning formula; there’s no doubt about that. Naturally, there was always going to be immense pressure to follow This Is The Warning up with an equally impressive sophomore.
Well, it’s good news for both the band, and their dedicated fans. With their second LP, The Catalyst Fire, Dead Letter Circus have exceeded expectations, and crafted a record that is textured with a sound that is both engaging and electrifying, while retaining that signature style that the dedicated have come to know and love.
For fans and newcomers alike, you’d be hard pressed to find any disappointment in The Catalyst Fire.
Luke Sutton