Dyadics; The: Deus Ex Machina

It's been five years since The Dyadics debut self titled release delivered a burst of commercial rock that still managed to pack a punch and keep broad horizons. Follow up, Deus Ex Machina, is however a serious step up in class, execution, song writing and vision. Loosely conceptual, Deus flows cleverly as short interludes are placed to introduce the next track on the album through atmospheric ambient workings (in fact the track listing on the back of the digi-pack groups some songs together, so interlinked are they) providing a wonderfully paced collection (something which the debut seriously lacked in). However with the linking sections clearly mapped out and carefully placed, the results take you on a hugely cohesive journey. The band's influences do still pop into view – Muse still a major player (but in a far less "look at me" kind of way), The Pineapple Thief still nodded to and yet The Dyadics sound much more comfortable, and able, to extend those parameters and really begin to express who they are.

What else is immediately apparent, is that The Dyadics, who are in essence the pair of Kevin Kennedy (guitars/vocals) and Matt Weston (drums/moog bass/a whole host of other gadgets and gubbins), also have a much sharper attack. This time, when they go for it, take cover. Whereas, when they want to brings things down and be intimate, lean in close and take in the experience; plenty of interest also happening in between. "Wake Up" begins the album as just that, a gentle morning nudge, as a build of pinging guitars, music boxes and swooshes suddenly making way for the thump and bump of the off-beat smack of "The Times". Two tracks in and already they're grooving for all they're worth; however it's a trick used to great effect throughout, "Give Yr Head A Shake" a thrumming ambush which bursts forth from the more considered ambience of "Head Drone Collider", while the stand alone "Lady" crashes into view as possibly the catchiest expulsion of energy on the whole album.

But The Dyadics have broadened their attack; "Straight And Narrow" broods and moods with melodic intent, while "Running Late", which grows from the so-so reggae of "Running Dubwise" and African tribal drums of "Running Yardstyle", brings pop hooks and backing vocals. Add in the mid-paced thump of "Wedding Anniversary", the clattering restrained "Better Way" and eighties electronica influenced "No Matter What They Say" and this album continually evolves as you take it in. Having enjoyed The Dyadics debut album and an overly eclectic EP, I very much suspected that Deus Ex Machina would be enjoyable listening. What I didn't expect was the expansive and confident statement that this album undoubtedly is.

Track Listing
1.Wake Up
2. The Times
3. Wedding Anniversary
4. Where Have You Gone
5. Better Way
6. Head Drone Collider
7. Give Yr Head A Shake
8. No Matter What They Say
9. Livin' The Dream
10. I Don't Wanna Know Where You Are
11. Running Yardstyle
12. Running Dubwise
13. Running Late
14. Lady
15. Straight And Narrow

Added: August 5th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Dyadics online
Hits: 2192
Language: english

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