Band: This Devastated Fan
Release: Plot And Debauchery (Album)
Release Date: Out Now
With influences cited as the likes of Coheed and Cambria and Alexisonfire, plus artwork based on the Medieval ‘plague doctor’, you’d expect something quite dark and energetic from This Devastated Fan’s re-release, their third album ‘Plot and Debauchery’.
The title, and influences too, might be a little misleading though. The record is a quite an understated affair. First track ‘Shoulder the War’ has a promising thirty second introduction, before slipping into fairly nonchalant vocals and a soft drum beat.
That said, there’s nothing in particular wrong with the vocals. Singer Robbie Cavanagh can definitely hold a note, but there’s a certain lack of aggressiveness that fails to bring a spark in the heavier tracks on the record. In the energetic and more light-hearted ‘Contingency Plan’, the catchy melodic chorus works perfectly to create a very listenable track.
There are a few other highlights on the record; the spoken word moment in ‘Bambi Woods’ is a nice touch, and there’s an impressive guitar solo to follow. Unfortunately, ‘Hostage’ fails to bring the same feeling. The vocals are too hushed, and the lyrics sound almost disjointed. To the tune’s credit though, with a bit of work it could sound almost early Placebo-ish in its low-key melody and eerie feeling.
The stripped down harmonies on final track ‘Heathen Rage’, too are definitely worth a listen. Its quite a low key ending to what promised to be a strong album though.
Although there are some good moments to the album, ‘Contingency Plan’ in particular, this is an album that doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. Perhaps with a little more energy here, and some more passion there, it would pack more of a punch. Either way, it’s the lighter tracks that shine through for now.
5/10
Review by: Natalie Gardiner
