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Uzeda, "Stella"
Uzeda uses razor wire guitar, bass that frequently takes the lead, and merciless drums to mold the perfect foundation from which to launch their unrelenting vocal attack. Restless and turbulent, the band thrives in a constant state of eruption.
The guitar and vocals in particular separate the band from their influences. Giovanna Cacciola has a voice suited for these songs, whether lightly singing in the earlier sections of “Time Below Zero” or raising the volume with throaty howls on “Gold.” The guitar has a striking acidic tone as it explores frenzied dissonance or emphasizes the rhythm. It rarely functions as a melodic lead, instead providing a rhythmic counterpoint or an articulation of mood. The rhythm section deserves their fair share of the credit as well. For instance, their steadiness on “This Heat” provides the other band members with the freedom to wander on top of the music regardless of meter, a juxtaposition that goes a long way toward fueling the band’s vitality. Similarly, they smolder on “From the Book of Skies” and “Camillo,” allowing Cacciola to build the drama and then unleash herself in cathartic endings.
The only flaw, albeit a minor one, is that Steve Albini’s handling of the material immediately places them alongside any number of similar bands he’s recorded. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, either, because the production is gorgeous, but it does place them into a certain category right away that makes comparisons difficult to resist. Yet the band holds up favorably even if such comparisons are made. Their songs are dynamic and varied, and the singer’s powerful voice keeps the album consistently engaging. Building tension with a rare expertise, they are always ready to explode.
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