Strangely, since we reviewed Namaste's demo CD and reviewed them live, they've been a bit... distant. They were sociable bunnies back then, we spoke to Mike regularly. But since then, hardly a squeak from them. There's a new album, proper studio, in the offing, hopefully we'll get a sniff of that or at least some info before too long, and we'll bring you the inside skinny here on The "i" before too long. In the meantime, hop over to their NEW Myspace (something wrong with the old one, they couldn't reply to anything) and see if you like what you hear. Oh, and we've decided they're a bit like that Canadian band from the mid 90's, Moist. Hunt down Moist's "Freaky Be Beautiful" and you'll see what we mean ;)
NAMASTE - "Every Picture Tells A Story"
full-length demo album
First impressions even before it's in the CD player are good - this is a band who wants to look good, not just sound good, a glossy insert and label with a proper case will put them over well to any hovering labels. In a time when most bands still send out a generic CD-r with illegible scribbles in a paper sleeve this is a good presentation.
The CD's 6 tracks include the 4 we reviewed last month, plus Dark Lights and Illusion. "Moist" is an almost soulful affair, melodic interspersed with rip-you-apart riffs and lyrics seemingly inspired by heartbreak and lost love, think Deftones meets Audioslave; "Expired" starts innocently enough before that ruthless riff, dynamic drumming and bass really takes hold with great vocals combining to get you bouncin' around; "Structural Matter" brings up thoughts - musically speaking - of Godplayer's melodic interpretations, and finally "Catharsis" is a sharp semi-balladic analysis of someone special, you can either chill out with or play if you're feeling down.
"Dark Lights" is an unexpectedly catchy track, admit it guys you nicked the intro riff from the Phantasm movies! Not that that's a bad thing, it's a good tune to borrow... a powerful and multi-layered track, that one. "Illusion" is exactly what it says on the tin, about being raised to godhood by someone who worships you, again a track that starts off almost balladic before turning round and smackin' your head with a heavy change of pace.
NoiseMatters rated:
(4½/5)
