| ELECTRICITY REVIEWS
This Theory Of Static: Electricity
This ‘band’ has existed since 1998, the vision of Rotorua composer Dean Young who began slowly writing this music, trusting that one day he would find the band to do the compositions justice.
This has now happened, and since 2007 this beast has comprised Jerome Buckleigh on guitar, Matt Burling on bass, Luke Hale on drums, with keyboards by Adam Vink – originally called breathingunderwater until discovering an American emo act with the same moniker.
There’s plenty of emotion in this music, but it sure aint emo! There’s no getting away from the overwhelming Tool influence, but having said that, if we're dealing with that level of originality and passion, it just tells you what a quality release this is.
The initial dedication to the craft is to be commended. There’s huge production on songs that are epic in scope, brilliant graphics, and plenty of food for thought both musically and lyrically. There’s nothing rushed or forced here, this is outstanding considering its humble beginnings on a digital 8 track, with later production work in a project studio in West Auckland.
Young’s got talent in buckets. As well as writing all the music and lyrics (except three tracks penned with Buckleigh), he provides voice, guitars and programming. Tool fans and those who appreciate somber but uplifting alternative rock should check this out.
- Ana Glowacz: NZ Musician Magazine, April/May 2009
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The gentle distorted vocals at the start of opening track 'Set The Controls' hides the rip-roaring rock song to come, befitting the fact that it's written and sung by one of Radio Hauraki's morning pirates, Dean Young.
And so the tone is set for This Theory Of Static's new album "Electricity", an alt-rock experience full of lusty guitars (courtesy of the talented Jerome Buckleigh) and a demand to turn the volume up. The third long-player from the Young-led band is a great achievement for a group signed to a small label and the production values are excellent. The listener is taken on a dark journey, an exploration through the rock wastelands and into a place few New Zealand bands have been.
First single 'In Absentia' is a superb introduction to their sound and style, and bigger bands (yes, I'm looking at you, U2) could take a lesson in single picking. And, as good albums should, the tracks hang together well, meaning the sum is definitely greater than the parts.
However, there are some failing with the album. Track 11 is called [d_d.s..011], which seems more like a typo than the name of a rock song. Let's just say I like to be able to pronounce the names of songs, so I had a predisposition to not like it. And I didn't.
The little unpronounceable vignette (it's only a minute and 16 seconds long) as well as Young's vocals appearing to rely too much on subtle distortion at times slots these guys from conventional into the alt-rock, bordering on prog-rock, pigeonhole.
Cutting some of the vocal distortion and cleaning the sound a little might rip the heart out of This Theory Of Static. However, in my mind, it could also be the making of them, because there's no doubt they are a group of talented musicians who deserve to be listened to.
Despite the short-comings, it is clear this album is a worthy purchase for anyone who likes their music with an edge on it. Pick it up and play it loud.
Recommended. 7/10
-The Eclectic – 21.04.09: The Y!X Review [yahoo.co.nz]
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One of the most electrifying (pun intended) new releases of the month comes from a little known Auckland – based act signed to a little known independent label.
This Theory Of Static started life as the solo project of singer Dean Young, but expanded to a full 4-piece band in recent times, resulting in Electricity, the first album made together but third album overall.
Starting off with the brilliant “Set The Controls”, Electricity is 12 tracks of some of the more innovative music you’ll hear from a Kiwi band this year, or any year for that matter.
While the group’s sound does touch on a wide range of influences, it never imitates, instead relying on the guitar work of Jerome Buckleigh and singer Dean Young, and a tight rhythm section, to really give the record personality.
Sure, there’s a guitar lick or a vocal line reminiscent of A Perfect Circle, Deftones or even U2 here and there, but it never gets stuck in that mold. The first single “In Absentia” is testament, with Young’s vocal work melting over a gentle, yet intense guitar riff before closing out with a powerful chorus.
Rock fans, this is one album you won’t want to miss.
4/5 stars
-Chris Philpot Investigate Magazine March 2009
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Dean Young's one man project in the vain of Nine Inch Nails meets Tool comes to life with the addition of a full band on the band's third full length release.
Auckland's Theory Of Static previously known as Breathingunderwater have come close to perfecting the sound of Kiwi experimental rock. The songs are spacious and dramatic.
Sonically the album comes off as a complete success with an international quality mix. In particular the drums are captured flawlessly and the guitars are huge. The ever building tension of Set The Controls is priceless and The Planets Align oozes energy with smooth melodies over a manic rhythm.
Detuned guitars and dark and angry themes through the album set the tone for a menacing mood without losing direction for a moment. Songs such as To Ruin and Oceans Of Ashes can not avoid being taken seriously. Young's vocals are ambient, story telling and perfectly subtle.
The only weak part of the product for me was the similarity between songs and continued theme which could easily suggest concept album. A great local release and a must listen for any Tool fan.
****
-Waikato Times
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"...an often dark, always epic album"
3/5 stars
- The Sunday Star Times
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