by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster, the self-described “instrumental Progressive, Metal, Alternative Rock Band” from London, have completed work on their third self-released album entitled Wires/Dream\Wires. This latest release follows in the footsteps of the band’s earlier Collapse (2009) and Exegesis (2012) – and is an evolutionary step in TNBD’s growth and maturation. Sometimes classified as “atmospheric art Metal” or “post-Metal,” TNBD blends influences of old school Rock, Heavy Metal, and Stoner Rock with Modern Progressive elements resulting in a unique, mostly instrumental sound.
After some time away from the studio, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster has reformed as a four-piece act consisting of guitarists Drew Vernon and Adam Paul, bassist Tom Granica, and drummer Alex Rainbow. Vernon also contributes the few vocals that appear on the album, and shares co-production credits with Michael Bugh. With a history extending back to 2008, TNBD plays together like a well-oiled machine whether doing brooding Doom-Metal inspired riffs, Industrial tinged passages, or Blues-Rock hooks. Their musical style continues to be intense and moody, heavy and somber. Long instrumental passages and riffs are the backbone of their style, with vocals limited to some low key singing on a single track.
Musical highlights include: the epic opening track “Oko” – a 10 minute dark and moody opus with amazingly solid musicianship all around, particularly from bass and drums; the complex rhythms and guitar hooks on “Consume;” the outstanding guitar work on the energetic “Orogenic;” the awesome and intricate drum/cymbal work (and its coordination with the guitars) on “Murasame;” the overall brighter and very progressive tone on “Disposable” – a track with some top notch guitars and bass that start light and end brutal; and the reflective lyrics and well-delivered vocals on “Passing”
TNBD’s unique style remains big riffs and walls of noise, suddenly becoming soft and elegant passages or spiraling guitar solos. Wires/Dream\Wires is mixed with a somewhat sludgy, almost stoner rock sound, however there is a real warmth and crispness to the overall tone. The homespun sound contrasts nicely with the incredibly technical riffs and hooks, all executed to perfection. The instruments are all balanced well, and every performer receives equal emphasis making the album a pleasure to hear. If there is a flaw here, it is simply the lack of a high energy, upbeat track. A somber and subdued mood permeates most of the album, but there are a few more “lighter” moments on Wires/Dream\Wires than on the band’s earlier releases.
The well-crafted instrumentals will appeal to fans of the genre, but if you need vocals look elsewhere. Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster proves itself to once again be a truly talented group, handling the most complex and technical passages of their music without missing the proverbial beat! They manage to create lush and detailed soundscapes without coming across as an “atmospheric” act. Wires/Dream\Wires is undoubtedly the band’s strongest release to date, and is highly recommended to fans of instrumental Progressive/Alternative Metal.
Genre: Progressive, Alternative Metal
Band:
Drew Vernon (guitars, vocals)
Adam Paul (guitars)
Tom Granica (bass)
Alex Rainbow (drums)
Track Listing:
1. Oko
2. Consume
3. Orogenic
4. Wires/Dream\Wires
5. Antirazor
6. Murasame
7. Nexus
8. Disposable
9. Passing
Label: Independent
Website: http://bridgedisaster.co.uk/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5 / 10
