Bands to Watch #234: Amplifier
Amplifier are a strange entity: a band with a massive cult following, huge critical acclaim. Yet relative obscurity still surrounds them. Formed by Sel Balamir, Amplifier are progressive heavy metal in its purest form. Stripped down to its bare bones, with a guitar, bass and drums. Simple.
Their influences when you listen to them are obvious: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Def Leppard. All of these are combined, then given a kick up the arse and make up the amorphous beast that is Amplifier. Their first self-titled record drew 5 star reviews all around, while their latest record ‘The Octopus’ has been equally well received.
To start with this band though, you have to set aside time. This is not a band to be admired over dinner; they need your undivided attention. From their first album, tracks ‘Motorhead’ and ‘Airborne’ personify what this band is about: ferocious riffs, huge bass and a whole lot of noise. Tracks like ‘Glory Electricity’ (sound in YouTube embed below) let the band’s experimental side loose, and show Amplifier at their proggy best. ‘One Great Summer’, while clocking in at around 7 minutes like many of their tracks, stands out with its soaring guitars and lyrical excellence. Amplifier are embarking on a tour next year, so there is no better time to get around to listening to these guys.
To finish, if one statement about this band can summarize what they are, it’s this, from my Dad: “Amplifier are heavy metal how it should be, and it’s always a bonus when you can make out the lyrics these days.”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve0o6HvFvI4[/youtube]
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