Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Chaos Curb Collaboration frontman Dave Griffiths describes this five-track solo side project as "heavier and far more visceral-sounding" and the Bournemouth songsmith has drawn on his love for guitar bands such as Blur and Sonic Youth to present a collection of songs that are built around the variety of sounds that come from his electric guitar. In fact, Griffiths bravely explores the breadth and depth of his instrument - largely using feedback, distortion and reverb to good effect - and comes up with a powerful and often delightfully cacophonous soundscape that enthrals and intrigues. Griffiths admits that these tracks, as the EP's title suggests, come from harder times and tracks like "Born", "Hide" and "The Fear Master" are lyrically thought-provoking and are delivered with a great vocal performance that succeeds in not being drowned out by all that's going on around. "Thank You, Graham Coxon" - a self-explanatory ode to the eponymous Blur guitarist - lightens the mood momentarily and, despite some clunky lyrics, sits nicely in amongst the more intense material and offers up a bit of variety. One slight criticism is the use of a certain high-pitched and piercing feedback tone on almost every song. I have no problem with the use of guitar feedback when needed but this particular noise is actually painful on the ear and perhaps should have been placed further down in the mix or removed altogether.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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