Syrym are a born again Babylon AD. A late eighties, early nineties band whose brand of fiery, bluesy MHR cut against the grain of the corporate rock which became prevalent during this period.
The word "Syrym" is a perversion of the word "serum", as in blood serum.
A twist in the blood, as it were. It suits this hard bodied, densely constructed melodic rock album to a tee.
This debut shows that same attitude, tailored for a contemporary audience. An audience whose taste in rock music has become more sophisticated and discerning. An audience whose expectations are high.
In places,
'Syrym' reminds me of a couple of other bands from the Babylon AD era, who also ploughed their own furrow, like Lynch Mob and the late, lamented Little Caesar, but with more guitars, more drama and bigger choruses.
While Rich Talley and Jamey Pacheco lay down an immoveable, sonically sound rhythm section, front and centre are expressive vocalist, Jeffrey Winslow and guitar man, Ron Freschi (who also produced). Freschi tattoos his low slung axe imprint on every visible surface here, etching it deep and tuneful.
Lyrically, the album is full of emotional, achingly articulate songs, relentlessly downbeat, with only the faintest glimmer of hope creeping into view toward the end.
Occasionally I wonder if Winslow's discreetly soulful voice is strong enough to carry the angst and melancholy that weighs them down. Yet, at other times it's those very tones that lift the songs and give them a resounding, adult resonance.
Among a handful of standout tracks are the memorably melodic
'Torn In Two' and
'Ugly On The Inside', where Winslow's warm vocals counterpoint Freschi's taut, muscular riffs.
Elsewhere, there's an elegance and sensitivity to
'Brokedown's fractured look at life, that echo strongly in the raw sentiments of the balladic
'What I'm Trying To Say', constructed around a dramatic and moving piano motif.
But songs like
'The Sky Is Falling' and
'While America Sleeps' could have been so much better with more time and more money spent on the production. Twas ere thus.
Still, there's plenty here to be enthusiastic about. Roll on album number 2.
Written by
Brian Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Show all reviews by BrianRatingsBrian: 6/10Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
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 | JoiRide
Rating: 8/10
Phenomenally good debut album from this California band. This album definitely would have ... · Read more · |
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