Infernophonic Spark It Up

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by Edwin Van Hoof
Staff Writer

Infernophonic’s music is for the occasion even though every spin is an occasion on itself. Infernophonic is packed with energy and spunk! Much like old time Chili Peppers the band is propelled by funk and powerful grooves but also has dynamics not often heard in metal.

“Anyone Else”, the album opener brings back memories of Mindfunk. Honest, driven, powerful. A blast to the belly, and merely a wakeup call for the rest of this remarkable debut. Crunchy and in your face is “Say Whatcha Mean” or the radiating “Karmakaze.” Names keep coming to mind.

“Eye of the Jedi” for instance bonds the best from Rage Against The Machine’s anger outbursts with the vibrant and vivid upbeat of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Never coming across like a rip off, merely a homage and fine blend of styles. A cocktail of styles flying names to you like Peppers, Mindfuck, Scatterbrain, Wolfmother as well as Anouk.

Pat Piegari’s guitar work is especially amazing. Loud rocking riffs with a free hand undertone, topped off by some screaming and revving soloing. Crunchy and energetic: All servicing the overall sound, much like the spectacular bass slaps and funky thrive from Kevin Bolebach, reminding of Stu Hamm. The funky groove is boosted even more by the dynamic drum shuffles and breaks laid down by Courtney Williams. Energetic interaction between bass and drum, and foremost: rock solid!

But it is the superior Elaine Tuttle that takes this release into oblivion. Her flexible soulful voice simply is amazing. Much like Dutch rock diva Anouk, it is packed with soul and emotion, and has tremendous power unloading passion for music in each and every song.

“Yeah Yeah Yeah” is displaying her skills and power, or the taunting “Invisible Slaves.” “Be Here Now” and “We Don’t Need It” highlight this vivid and lively debut. And vivid this is… The album has a crystal clear production, and it simply adds up. An honest live feel as if the band’s performing right in your living room unloading the same energy.

An energetic outburst of styles and energy is Infernophonic’s debut Spark It Up. It needs some time to grow and win you over, but if it does … Tuttle is the focal point and to hear her singing some more basic rock tunes as well, like Anouk, as well as the music of Sass Jordan and Alanis would suit her well. I think she has the class and style to shake your foundations, much like Infernophonic does until then.

Label: Godlyke Inc.

Track Listing:
01. Anyone Else
02. Say Whatcha Mean
03. Middle Of The Road
04. Karmakaze
05. Take Aim
06. Thank You
07. Invisible Slaves
08. Be Here Now
09. Hear Me
10. We Don’t Need It
11. Yeah Yeah Yeah
12. Eye Of The Jedi

HRH Rating: 8.8 out of 10