Crucible - EP - Review

The Crucible seem to be drawing on that decades-deep tradition of hallucinogenic rock and metal that starts way back with Led Zeppelin and moves up to the current day via the more progressive fringes of the 90's grunge wave. Simple three chord sequences, bluesy detuned riffs and hooks, distant effect-washed vocals, clattering drums and splashing cymbals ... all the ingredients are present and correct. The atmosphere is spot on, too; paranoid, dazed and confused, with more than a hint of the dreamscape about it. The Crucible sure aren't short on ideas; if anything, they have a few too many per song, but better that than the tedium of verse-chorus pop structures. The execution is a little lacking, however – but considering it appears to be a self-funded release, it's a lot better than it could be. The vocals could do with being closer to the front of the mix, and the guitars made a little thicker so as to drown the listener more effectively – this sort of music needs to be an all-encompassing environment of sound to work its magic properly. There are a few moments of sloppy timing that are less forgiveable, but studio time is an expensive commodity. It is to be hoped that if the Crucible can deliver this material effectively in a live situation, someone may offer them the money to get their vision recorded the way it deserves to be. In the meantime, it might be well worth watching out for them on tour.