Album Review: Attic Theory - The Sign Of An Active Mind
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Attic Theory are described as ‘alternative groove rockers’. I’m not sure that’s the label I’d place on them but regardless, the Liverpudlian six-piece’s debut recording which has recently been released sees them aiming for a market already saturated with all different levels of quality.
This six track E.P. is confidently performed, with a big sound. The mix is good, the instruments all coming though in a blend which doesn’t detract from the overall construction of the songs. With three guitarists you’d expect a big sound and you certainly get that here. Plenty of thick riffs to keep you interested.
The opening track is a bit of a stormer. ‘Marionette’ is the introduction to the band, and the three-pronged guitars give it some gusto from the start. It’s the vocals of Lewis Wright that catch the ear immediately, his voice carrying a definite hard rock style which will please those who are enthralled by the New Wave of British Classic Rock. Clean, warm and with a melodic delivery, there is no doubt that his delivery will snag fans of bands such as PCATBS, Disturbed, Those Damn Crows and Shinedown.
In fact, this is an E.P. that I would expect to get some airtime on the likes of Planet Rock due to its accessible appeal. The layered guitar interplay on ‘Cold Heart Reality’ works well, whilst the standard light rock ballad ‘Your Light’ benefits from some heavy riffs to beef it up a bit.
The final three songs allow the band to show their teeth and I suspect this is where their strength lies. The hooks on ‘Doesn’t Matter’ will get audiences moving, it’s high tempo and fist pumping style engaging. ‘My Own Design’ screams Disturbed from start to finish, and it’s a minor criticism here that this is almost homage, it’s so close. The only thing missing is the classic “wahaha” Draman delivery. I reckon that you could tell Disturbed fans that this was a new single and they’d buy it. This leads to the concluding song ‘Saints Among Us’ which has the feel of a set closing anthem.
‘The Sign of an Active Mind’ is a solid end to an E.P. that certainly is well produced and constructed. With so many bands playing this style of music, the only question I raise is how Attic Theory will punch through the dross to get to the surface. There is enough here to do it, and the audience for such radio friendly music is massive. Fingers crossed for them.
Attic Theory are vocalist Lewis Wright, guitarists Peter Donnelly, Tim Cunningham (also backing vocals) and Matt Lawler, drummer Matt Simon and Kenny McArthur on bass.
ICYMI - Attic Theory were stranded on Devil's Island a few weeks ago. Find out what happened here.
