Hello my pretties,
You can lay your worries to rest. I’m alive. I
survived the brutal attack of university deadlines and fought off the army of
assignments with minimal injuries. Primarily mentally inflicted scars, but hey
I’ve never been the most sane creature. Thankfully. But I’m back (in black…oh
come on you were all thinking it! And someone had to make the terribly cringe
worthy remark…and that’s me all over!). There’s so much I wanted to tell you
all, but due to uni I had to refrain from giving you insanely juicy details! So
let me give you the short version:
· 1) Andy Black Live – no words. Unbelievable
· 2) The Great Escape – stepped up their game from last year. Unbelievable.
· 3) Slamdunk South Festival – Panic headlining! Unbelievable.
Even shorter version: unbelievable. Just the stress relief any
music fanatic needs!
However today I am here to share another
well-guarded secret. Not to dwell on the past. Everyone here knows my love for
artists such as KISS; Mötley; Adam Ant; Poison. The endless list of Glam Rock,
Sleaze Metal pioneers who aided my love for theatrics and wonderfully reckless
skulduggery that accompanies it. Now everyone has specific little triggers that
drive them from perfectly rational to giving a look that could send someone six
feet under. One of mine being people constantly declaring that rock –
specifically sleaze/glam – is dead. Gene Simmons (bassist and demon of KISS…for
those less educated in this realm) being one of these blasphemers. But that’s
another rant for another time. However I have living proof that this world is
very much alive and thriving. Let me introduce to you Spyder Byte. Quintet
hell-bent on vandalising the minds of this generation with sex, booze and rock
‘n’ roll just like their forefathers before them. I raise my glass to that. I
know it’s a huge juxtaposition but I find there is something oddly innocent
about that, compared to blunt and very realistic (in the sense of it insinuations
being serious and that one has to ‘put out’ to please someone else)
connotations within pop music, compared to the energetic, screw the rest we’ll
do it our own way that Glam/Sleaze presents.
Geez, I’m highly aware I detoured this bus down
bleak, solemn avenue. Let’s U-turn back shall we? Where was I? Oh yeah introductions
are in order. Lovelies I’d like you to meet:
· - Daniel Lawrence – Vocals
· - C.C – Lead Guitar
· - Luke Naylar – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
· - Nathan Hammond – Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals
· - Connor Godfrey – Drums/Backing Vocals
Back in late 2015 the group released their debut album “Addictive”.
The album’s just that. The only antidote being more and more and…you’ve got
it….more. Who needs nicotine or whatever else the kids are into these days?
This gives you a high like no other!
Let’s take a closer look shall we? Come on you know you want to!
That’s it follow the breadcrumb trail, I promise you there’s no witch at the
end. Only lil ol’ me. Hey! I heard that! I’d watch it if I was you I do have a
few trick up my sleeve. Few spells I’ve been itching to try.
Okay. Moving swiftly on.
Track One: ‘Infestation’
The album opens with “Infestation” immediately starting on a high. A constant energy is
emitted, something which is hard to maintain throughout an entire song at this
velocity. However, Byte manage to maintain this with ease. Not floundering at
any point. They strap the listener in for the time of their lives. They aren’t
giving them up at the first stop. One particular element that struck me with
this band is the vocalist. Typically in this genre (you’re going to hear me say
that a lot so might as well start getting used to it) and any genre actually is
how imperative the vocal is. One thing I have found with artists who attempt
sleaze today is that the vocalist desperately tries to replicate what’s already
been done. Usually failing. However, Lawrence manages to marry stereotypical
conventions with his own grit and angst. If Olli Herman (Reckless Love) Bruce
Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) were to have a love
child, Lawrence’s voice would be it!
Track Two: ‘Heartbreak Babe’
I immediately fell
in love with this track! The guitar hook just has a mesmerising quality about
it. What’s more, the catchy vocal demonstrates Lawrence’s true potential
compared the first track. It’s as if they are slowly getting you addicted.
Dragging you in. Making the taste linger. Leaving you begging for more.
Thankfully, the track does not loose the high created in the opening song. Being
a lyricist my attention is immediately drawn to lyrics first arrangement later.
Like the pioneers their lyrics on the surface seem simplistic however they are
cleverly written. A particular favourite of mine being “starry eyes, that hypnotise I get sucked into your lies” I don’t
know why I just love lines like that. They aren’t complicated or intricate to
confuse a listener, yet they insinuate so much more! If ‘Infestation’ didn’t have you hooked then this one definitely seals
the deal.
Track Three: ‘In Your Face’
Interestingly,
this track breaks the sleaze conventions formed, starting with drums rather
than the complex guitars. Godfrey demonstrates his stamina as a drummer as the
beat remains strong and constant. Not wavering at any point. Carrying forward
the irrepressible drive and energy the band emit. What’s more, the build in the
introduction illustrates ALL members’ technical abilities. Common thinking
about glam and sleaze is that musicians take the “easy way out”. That is doesn’t
require much thinking. However that isn’t the case at all. Personally I have
found some of the most talented musicians this world has to offer to be disciples
of this religion. Spyder Byte is no
exception. Moreover, it is easy to get lost in individual elements that this
style has to offer, between multiple guitar hooks, drum fills combined
exceptional vocals; yet Spyder Byte
confirm their abilities as songwriters – writing for the song not for the
musician. Simple is sometimes the hardest thing to accomplish. Yet when it is
has an effect like nothing else. The band also illustrate how, even though
imperative to the game, lead guitar wouldn’t survive without solid rhythmic
foundations provided by Godfrey and Hammond. However no only does Byte
demonstrate this, they also express how rhythm doesn’t have to be straight and
formal; instead throw a melodic quality about it. Last but not least, a key
lyric that hit me hard enough to daze me was “misery is good for revenge”. Personally, that is just one of those
lines that…it’s hard to explain…but it just leaves you in love with it.
Track Four: ‘Strip Club Blues’
Although the shortest on the album, this has to
be one of my favourite (I think I’ve said that about every song on here. But
it’s just that good!). It’s a quick hit that leaves you pining for more. For
some reason, the introduction reminds me of Poison’s 'Unskinny Bop', more
the feel rather than arrangement. Nonetheless that’s one of my favourite songs
so I’m not complaining! Interestingly, there is a change in
pace after the first chorus that works oddly well; with a lot occurring in the
arrangement however elements don’t clash, nor does it confuse the listener in
any way. Notably the vocal is at it’s clearest on this track. The name itself
insinuates this, but its so typically Eighties sleaze that you can’t help but
love it! There isn’t a part of this song that isn’t addictive. So far the album
is living up to its title don’t ya think?
Track Five: ‘Moonshine’
Common theme so far with Byte is that they
start each song so differently. Okay bear with me I know that sounds odd and y’all
thinking “Well Rebel they’re not going to start each song the same now”. But
there is something about this genre that, in terms of arrangement, it is easy
to get stuck in a redundant routine. It’s refreshing to hear just the vocal and
drums. Sleaze can become very hectic, not through any fault of its own, just an
endeavour to maintain energy and drive. Although, Byte excellently manage to
bring tracks to their bare-minimum whilst maintaining enthusiasm and intensity.
Notably, they provide you with a break that you never knew you wanted.
Signifying not only they talent as songwriters, but also they nail the
overlooked talent of song placement in a set – or in this case album.
Track Six: ‘On Time’
Remember that glorious love triangle I created in a futile attempt
to describe Lawrence’s vocal? Well I am about to add another one to the
concoction. Up until now I’ve been racking my brain trying to think who else
Lawrence reminds me of. It seemed so obvious. On the tip of my tongue. Then it
hit me! You could say I was ‘thunderstruck’ …wait…that only makes sense if I
had already told you the singer…although that particular song was with
legendary Brian Johnson. I am in fact talking about the iconic voice that
kick-started AC/DC’s phenomenal career. That’s right. Mr Bon Scott. Now you can
all laugh at my cleverness. Okay that’s enough. Lawrence manages to draw forth
all the finer qualities of all the vocalists I have mentioned, intertwining
them with his own technique.
After the
well-deserved break in ‘Moonshine’
Byte bring back the verve harder and better than ever. It is possible to easily
misplace and over do backing vocals. Yet Byte appropriately places gang vocals,
utilising them to enhance the song. What’s more, the call and response
arrangement between lead and backing vocals establish how intriguing ‘On Time’ would be to hear live.
Particularly for a band just starting out and carving their name into the
scene, having a repertoire that literally anyone can sing along to will aid
them in the future. One way to hook a new crowd is having songs that allowed
them to feel like they’re part of the show. Markedly, there is an unexpected
drop half way through the track, leaving drums and bass to fend for themselves
in a genre where it is easy to get lost in vocals and guitars. Again Byte live
up to the albums name, as they arrange a build that is truly addictive,
followed by a release in the solo that the listener craves.
Track Seven: ‘Love Bomb
Ticking’
First thing that struck me with this song was how much space there
is in the introduction, allowing all parts to be accented and flourish, as each
rightly should. Particularly I love the call and response between the vocals
and musical arrangement. Again allowing members to demonstrate their true
capabilities. Specifically, ‘Love Bomb
Ticking’ again brought my attention to Mr Godfrey’s incredible skill and
endurance as a drummer. The entire album already insinuated this, however this
particular track confirmed my thinking. It’s easy to over look drummers, while
they are the ones who provide the foundations and keep the others on track.
Ensuring the songs stays steady. Fella’s don’t let go of this one.
Track Eight: ‘Addictive
Poison’
Now, although I am
easy to please I am extremely hard to impress, not only as a writer but also as
a person. However Byte had me hooked through this entire album, ‘Addictive Poison’ being no different. Five seconds in and I’m already craving
more. Notably, this is slightly heavier than their previous songs, allowing
influences such as Metallica to project through the sleaze front. Nonetheless,
this works surprisingly well. Leaving it…dare I say again…a favourite off the
album. Every element is tight and provides the vicious cycle of a satisfactory
craving for the song to continue. It wraps you in chains that you will happily
commit to. But that’s just glam and sleaze at its finest. It is definitely my
favourite in regards to guitar hooks. C.C. Naylar I tip my hat to you. Personally,
I found this to be the best song to conclude the album on, conforming perfectly
to the album title - this is an addictive poison that you can help but press
repeat and put yourself through the bittersweet compulsion again and again.
Verdict?
Addictive guitar hooks. Strong, rhythmic foundations. Powerful
vocals. All enhance these perfectly feel good driven songs. Whoever said sleaze
was dead certainly hasn’t stumbled across these guys. They will reaffirm your
faith in hairspray and tight leather/ripped denim. Happily losing yourself in
the swirl of love and lust lyrics, shredding guitars and the debauched
lifestyle of sex, strippers and whisky.
I’ve cleared my calendar for their next gig. Have you?
Until next time,
Unpleasant Dreams.
Check Out Spyder Byte Below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spyderbyteband/
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