22 Nov 2024
Tablefox - EP Review: Glass Houses
19 May 2017 // A review by butch181
The Glass Houses EP starts out with an instrumental introduction. A three minute long track that begins with keys and a quiet, gentle and fragile guitar riff, but is then joined by a second louder, more abrupt guitar. The track has a gentle amplifying crescendo as it intertwines the music with ambient background noise that could be from a local coffee shop, as the keys that have been playing from the start, morph in an audial illusion to mimic the sound of a siren in the distance. Sweet and innocent, transforming into something almost haunting and abrasive.
Clinton Bell has a vocal style that sounds indiscriminantly British; with a voice that has distinct similarities to Robbie Williams, U2's Bono, and a tinge of the nasal sound characteristic of Placebo's Brian Molko. Under a Broken Smile, initially fools you into thinking it's a slow song, but picks up the tempo with an upbeat guitar riff. With beautifully simple guitar riffs over the bass, and nice backing vocals on the odd occasion when needed.
Let Me Go is full-bodied, and the stand-out track of the release. It provides a cacophony of noises that gives the impression that every member of the band is trying to take the spotlight; high guitar riffs, booming bass, ear-catching tribal drums, wooing backing vocals all vying to be the focus. It works exceptionally well, engaging the listener as they try to appreciate the sound in its entirety. You get so taken up by trying to take note of all the individual melodies that in no time it's gone, leaving a gaping chasm of silence in it's wake.
This release from Tablefox is a well produced piece that seems unique to the New Zealand music scene. Lacking that deep, earthy, kiwi accent, and with a well-controlled use of instruments to compliment the vocals, they have created a mature, international sound that should have no trouble resonating with its listeners.
Clinton Bell has a vocal style that sounds indiscriminantly British; with a voice that has distinct similarities to Robbie Williams, U2's Bono, and a tinge of the nasal sound characteristic of Placebo's Brian Molko. Under a Broken Smile, initially fools you into thinking it's a slow song, but picks up the tempo with an upbeat guitar riff. With beautifully simple guitar riffs over the bass, and nice backing vocals on the odd occasion when needed.
Let Me Go is full-bodied, and the stand-out track of the release. It provides a cacophony of noises that gives the impression that every member of the band is trying to take the spotlight; high guitar riffs, booming bass, ear-catching tribal drums, wooing backing vocals all vying to be the focus. It works exceptionally well, engaging the listener as they try to appreciate the sound in its entirety. You get so taken up by trying to take note of all the individual melodies that in no time it's gone, leaving a gaping chasm of silence in it's wake.
This release from Tablefox is a well produced piece that seems unique to the New Zealand music scene. Lacking that deep, earthy, kiwi accent, and with a well-controlled use of instruments to compliment the vocals, they have created a mature, international sound that should have no trouble resonating with its listeners.
About Tablefox
Recorded by Scott Seabright Productions and mastered by Ryan Smith (AC/DC, Greta Van Fleet) at Sterling Sound. Burning Bridges was released on July 27, 2021, with the album Battles landing on July 30th. A stonking track that opens the new album and signifies everything about the last few years for the band.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Tablefox
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