Latest Music Bar, 24 August 2009
There are those who believe that the word “prog” (in a musical context) is an obscenity, a four-letter slur punishable with a mouthful of soap and bed without supper. The phrase progressive rock can bring to mind images of extreme glam fashion, endlessly obscure guitar solos and pretentious lyrics about stem cell research.
This however, is only one end of the spectrum. There are bands (or perhaps the term artists is more appropriate) who aim to take the genre to new places and genuinely strive to create something original.
TheDealWasForTheDiamond is one such group. The Brighton four-piece have been blowing minds for a couple of years now, yet still haven’t fully received the recognition they deserve.
As an instrumental band they haven’t made things easy for themselves. It’s no secret that without vocals it can be difficult to hold the full attention of a live audience. This isn’t a problem for these guys however, as even with a standard guitar based line-up they never cease to make their songwriting as beautifully melodic as it is brutally raw.
Power, however, is nothing without control. Which is yet another box which these boys have effortlessly ticked. From the outset the audience is momentarily stunned by a wall of Deftone-esque, balls-out riffage, a simple rope of fairy lights silhouetting the group in a mass of flailing limbs. Before long though, the brutality has died down long enough to reveal the bands’ more genteel side, with atmospheric melodies embellished with cavernous reverb intertwining with tasteful and expressive drumming.
Like most progressive groups, the Diamond flirt vivaciously with odd time signatures, but a central groove is always present and the band never push things too far, keeping the audience interested with brilliantly lyrical guitar playing.
This band are converting sceptics at every gig they play, shattering clichés and steadily building a loyal fanbase who know good music when they hear it. Get down to a show and prepare to be inspired.
Words by James Watts
myspace.com/thedealwasforthediamond
