Murmurs of Tension - Awkward Aura
by Lisa Torem
published: 10 / 9 / 2009
Label:
Murmurs of Tension
Format: CDS
intro
Lushly harmonic and finely performed debut EP from psychedelic-influenced St Helens-based five-piece, the Murmurs of Tension
Based in St. Helens, this UK quintet promises a psychedelic experience. I’d say they’re in the ball park. This five-track EP hangs together well, mixing lush harmonies, acid-rock riffs and compelling bass-lines. The opener, 'Oh, When She Cries', begins “Lies, lies, spends his money and cuts up all his clothes.” This rant against an evil gold-digger contains Jim Morrison and the Doors-like percussion. 'Showdown' has a smart and sexy intro. Tight harmonies and gripping power chords follow. A steadfast bass pulls it together, and then a series of torrid ostinatos create a perfectly executed - though unpredictable - tune. 'Power of Bagsy' has a contagious vibe and fully embraces the quintessential, quirky Frank Zappa with its happy Ringo Starr-infused beat and dark Jethro Tull riffs. 'We Won’t Get Back to the Other Side” is almost anthemic in its 60s immediacy – a veritable magic bus of constantly shifting love-child dalliances. 'Big World Outside' can be summarized by this line, “It feels like I’m burning alive.” It’s a tour-de-force through a turbulently lurid landscape. 'Awkward Aura' is not necessarily an easy listen – with its jarringly insistent tempo changes – but it’s a well-executed group effort containing all the psychedelic stuff dreams are made of.
Track Listing:-
1 Oh When She Cries2 Showdown
3 Power Of Bagsy
4 We Won't Get Back To The Other Side
5 Big World Outside
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart