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From
Ashes Rise
Nightmares
(Jade Tree)
I love it when labels turn heads by signing a band that is completely
unexpected and sounds nothing like what they have put out previously.
Jade Tree is no stranger to the clichéd saying, “keeping
people on their toes” as they have released records from
Owls to Lifetime to Esther Drang, all who sound nothing alike.
This signing made many scratch their heads wondering what Jade
Tree was going to do with this politically charged beast from
the Portland area.
Featuring members of the much heralded His Hero Is Gone, From
Ashes Rise have been plugging away in basements across the U.S.
for the past few years; releasing a hammering first full-length
and a split with Victims (both released on various labels).
I had always wondered what the likes of Tragedy and Drop Dead
would sound like if they entered a high quality studio equipped
with the kind of technology that many similar groups cannot
afford due to lack of label support. Nightmares is
absolutely crushing. Matt Bayles took the helm of this release
at his infamous Studio Litho (having done great records from
Botch and Benton Falls) and have produced a record demonstrating
that bands can push the limits of what DIY is today while creating
a great sounding, volatile record filled with passion and integrity.
This is the equivalent of getting punched in the face by a skinny
punk rock kid and then having him lecture you about the evils
of conforming and signing up for everyday life. They have not
strayed too much from the musical path they forged with their
previous band, but have added greater dynamics like supplementary
melodies and the use of a piano. From Ashes Rise have pushed
themselves to greater heights (and in the process espoused their
ideas to a wider base), and in a time where music has become
more “paint by numbers” it is a welcome change to
hear something this straight forward and angry.
Reviewed by
Ray Harkins
January 26th, 2004 |
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