Vertigo Steps: Surface / Light

Often times in rock and metal, there is a distinct lack of dynamics. Many bands maintain the same level of heaviness throughout; they rarely, if ever, allow calm passages to provide space for the music (and listener) to breathe (figuratively speaking, of course). Luckily, on their third LP, Surface / Light, Vertigo Steps balances aggression and ambience well. Their sound isn't the most original or varied, but it is still quite enjoyable and engrossing.

A "Portuguese / Finnish project, with several renowned guests from Norway, Finland and Sweden," the core trio consists of Daniel Cardoso (drums, bass), Niko Mankinen (vocals), and Bruno A (guitars, keys, electronics). Guests vocalists include Jan Transit, Stein R Sordal, Patrik Karlsson, and Sophie. The group defines the album as having "melancholy, mesmerizing atmospheres, timeless melodies and heavy rock groove," and this is a fairly accurate assessment (although the music isn't that special). Surface / Light mostly succeeds because of how it incorporates unexpected emotion, ominousness, and soundscapes into standard rock constructions.

"Vertigo Dawn" is a short introduction full of poignant piano chords, manipulated sounds, and desolate harmonies. Afterward, "The Hollow" and "Silent Bliss" provide a striking mixture of male/female vocals and atmosphere. Really, it feels like a more commercial and safe cut from Cynic's latest EP, Carbon-Based Anatomy. Showcasing pleasant acoustic guitar arpeggios and a lower vocal register, "Railroads of Life" is a ballad that's slightly reminiscent of 90s grunge bands (especially Alice in Chains). Later on, "Disappear Here" and "Helsinki" contains some of the album's most affective melodies.

The best song on Surface / Light is easily the experimental "Schadenfreude." Full of eerie sound loops and creepy, ominous harmonies, it's a brilliant track. The most chilling aspect is the ghostly girl who chants "la la la" repeatedly, bringing Oingo Boingo's "Insanity" to mind. More than anywhere else on the LP, this track reveals what makes Vertigo Steps special.

Unfortunately, underneath all the unique elements is a fairly generic foundation. A lot of Surface / Light sounds similar to itself, as well as to many other bands, which deprives many of the songs of independency. Still, Vertigo Steps is good at what they do, and the album features enough surprises to make it worthwhile (as long as you're prepared for a lot of familiarity, too).

Track Listing
01. Vertigo Dawn
02. The Hollow
03. Silent Bliss
04. Railroads Of Life
05. Tonight I Died, Tomorrow I'll Live
06. Doppler Defect
07. Disappear Here
08. Helsinki
09. Someone (Like You)
10. Zeppelin On Fire
11. Schadenfreude
12. Nothing At All
13. The Porcupine Dilemma

Added: April 2nd 2012
Reviewer: Jordan Blum
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2037
Language: english

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