source	creator	size
amplify this	julian stevens	n/a

 

 

miocene are perhaps an unlikely subject for amplify this, given their electronically engineered sound and chilled out feel. the band offers a mixed bag of trippy beats, coupled with haunting melodies that provide for a compelling opus.

 

the intro sets the release up nicely, with soaring vocal harmonies, layered upon a slow, brooding beat. 'katie sierra', meanwhile, builds cunningly from a simple keyboard melody, while suspense is built by the pending beat. the theme is simple yet the song seems so complex. the following song is the first to contain any audible lyrics. the vocals are similar to the mission, while musically, the band use tool-esque build-ups and crescendos to paint their bleak picture.

 

the release moves on with 'tradition is just another word for the collective habit' – a rugged, bass-driven journey into the beyond, driving home cleverly executed break-beats and an aching counter melody, courtesy of matt johnson on clarinet.  the cunning use of sampling, classical instruments and percussion conjures eerie soundscapes, while the vocal partnership of lee calcutt and greg little provide a fitting accompaniment. lyrics are emotive and soul-searching - verging on 'feel my pain' - but fitting nonetheless.

 

'cellular memory' is a niftily produced, tuneful and extremely listenable release. miocene have created a unique style, further lamented by their desire to push musical boundaries by embracing new technology. definitely ones to watch out for