KarmaDeva - Disgrace

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 2 / 3 / 2010

Label: Storm Door
Format: CD

intro

Fine long-awaited debut album from acoustic Gothic-influenced Bath-based rockers, KarmaDeva

KarmaDeva who come from Bath are now a three piece after the departure of guitarist Dave Rogers and, consisting of JJ Staness (vocals, acoustic guitar), Pete Staness (bass) and Gav Loynes (drums), have a bigger following in Germany than back home. ‘Disgrace’ is their long awaited debut album. ‘Feed Your Soul’ sucks its listeners in from its first notes. It mixes the best bits of the Banshees and the early Cure and turns it into something fresh. It sounds refreshly gothic and instantly dark, although Karmadeva don’t have the make up to go along with its Gothic sound. The title track is a punky number that is big in attitude. It features massive, chunky-sounding bass from Pete, which adds grit to their core sound and carries the track while JJ's vocals are like the best of Patti Smith. ‘Longing’ is softer and is almost a poem set to music, while the music is gentle but free flowing and easily loses you in its charm, but without forcing you to put up too much of a fight. ‘Broken’ has a groove that the Red Hot Chili Peppers would kill for and is edgy with the spirit of Patti Smith. ‘Dark Days’ starts off as an acoustic jangling number, until eventually speeds up and becomes more gothic and sinister in sound. ‘Diamond’ will please both fans of Kate Bush and Tori Amos and is a song to wave your arms in the air too. ‘Carry On’ is story- based. JJ's vocal sucks you in, and you easily are entertained for the journey of the song. ‘Forgive Me’ is gentle and acoustic, very heartfelt, very warm and very human indeed. ‘Sentient’ is again soft until it speeds right on up. ‘Lilac Park’ recalls the Cure and has a big openness to its sound, while JJ’s vocals are on this absolutely charming ‘Missing a Skin’ ends the album and has a big rock feel, while JJ’s vocals have a haunting Kate Bush quality. A fine album.

Track Listing:-