(5-track EP/ 2003/ 'YOU AND WHOSE ARMY RECORDS?')
Anyone for more angst? Yes please, especially when the emotion is this tightly woven and totally rocking.
I'd best bring you up-to-speed. Dopamine are from South-Wales, a 3-piece in their early 20's, and they've been lucky enough to work with Lostprophets' bassist Stuart Richardson on this here 5-track EP.
One look at just the song titles and you know you're in for an original, imaginative treat. And straight-off the startling verse to chorus sublimation of opening track 'Everything You Need To Know About Breaking Hearts' is wrapped in melodic maelstrom and instantly reminds of the Emo-rock magnificence of neck-breaking, ankle-snapping bands such as This Girl, Hell is For Heroes and Mercury Tilt Switch.
Obviously they nod in the Lostprophets' direction too as they go, given Stuart's in-studio presence; his production on this CD is perfect, and best demonstrated via various vocal effects on 'Sick Lie Future' and 'Leave Luck To Heaven.'
'Sick Lie Future' hears frontman Neil Starr's vocals at their most soulful, while 'Leave Luck�' revels in its panicky pace and throbbing intensity, Neil's rugged and rabid guitar riff backed bouffantly by James Leaves' bass surges and Sam Phillips' banging drums.
'Six Miles South of Home' and '30 Seconds to Choose Your Fate' are the highlights though, as the latter confirms that this band in Dopamine are set to support quality Emo-rock music at its most compulsive and revitalising, especially when Neil is this spellbindingly sensitive to the angst market.
Already they have supported the uncompromising punk-originalists Mclusky and the fast-risen Funeral For A Friend. Now it's only a fickle matter of time before the word of Dopamine's talent spreads like wild fire on heat.
I can't wait. And you heard it hear first. (STEVE RUDD)
www.dopaminemusic.com E-mail� [email protected]
www.yawarecords.com
Tel: Jon, on 07968 083137