CD: “Everything Popular Is Wrong” by Deepshade

“Everything Popular Is Wrong” – now there is a sentiment that most people who listen to a range of genres can relate to. Deepshade have a debut album coming out, and with their own brand of gritty Alt/Rock blending in a variety of Rock styles, they have already made positive waves for themselves across numerous radio stations- not just in the UK but Europe and the USA. Not bad for a 3 piece from Wigan – they must be doing something right!

Starting off proceedings is “Time”, and immediately you are thrown back in time with the distant screams and distorted guitars. But then things appear too ‘polished’ as Rybka’s clean vocals start to wash over, but then the guitars revert back to that lovely fuzzy distortion as the chorus kicks in. This is one mighty opening to the album while the gritty “The Line” opens up with a fast-paced tempo and the nearest hint of that guitar distortion. Yet things are almost turned on their head for “Out Of Hand”; which has an annoyingly addictive bass-line that just seemed to be on the verge of Psychobilly at one point, but the guitar work that accompanies it is more Grunge giving an unusual twist. The vocals seem to be a little more whimsical, and I even thought a hint of 60’s/70’s Psychedelia. Unlike the preceding tracks, this one feels a little more delicate.

“Tattoo” starts off well, but soon takes on a darker feel as the distorted guitar and almost deadpan vocals sounds like it has slight distortion. All the while the rhythm has a punchy vibe – then it is over as soon as it had started. Tattoo was released early this year, and was available as a free-download – have a hunt round, it is one of the stronger tracks on the album.

“Haven’t Said A Word” starts with some gentle guitar noodliness, with a hint of acoustic Southern twang, and is a gentler track. But things soon take on a more frenetic pace, and almost chaotic feel. Then it “u-turns” back to that softer album. A bipolar track if ever one was heard, yet it flows well.

“Bring The Axe Down” is another punchy number that grabs you. Employing a spoken word delivery half-way through plays against the fast guitars, and prevalent drum work. This is an interesting track, and one you would not expect to flow, but as with the rest of the album, it works.

The gentle rhythms and percussion set the scene for “The Blood The Mud The Tears”, and as the power slowly creeps up the vocals take on a more pained feel. This evolves into a standout track on the album, and not just because the guitars are not distorted, but because it has a whole different feel. “Chairman” turns around the calm of ‘The Blood’ with another punchy track; and although the tempo is upped, again the distortion is absent form the guitars. It is almost as the latter half of the album is a different beast.

Closing the album off is “Sad Sun”, a final hurrah to the tracks that preceded. The distortion returns you full circle, while the clean guitar breaks prepare for those vocals that just seem to be from another time as they carefully deliver those entwining lyrics. The track stands tall as a fine album closer.

Blending numerous styles from Alt/Rock thru Grunge; and throwing in some Psychedelia for good measure, these guys are definitely carving out their own niche. Not to mention the fact they describe themselves as “The Beatles meet Black Sabbath and have a merry old time!” – for that alone it is worth checking out. Yet with all these influences and themes the album flows well as they turn everything around a number of times; from the heavy distortion, through to the cleaner sound towards the albums end.

“Everything Popular Is Wrong”; apart from being an Oscar Wilde quote, is out on September 25th, and well worth checking out.

Line Up
Rybka Vocals/Guitar
Doherty Bass
Barlow Drums

Track Listing
Time
the Line
Out Of Hand
Tattoo
Haven’t Said A Word
Bring The Axe Down
Lowlights
The Mud, the Blood, and The Tears
Chairman
Sad Sun

Links
https://www.facebook.com/deepshadeuk

Words By Jon.