Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Ultra City - SHADOWS

6/15/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ultra City

SHADOWS
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5


By Ted Rogen

Hailing from Oklahoma City, OK Ultra City is a five-piece punk/alternative band comprised of Adrian Ellioit (lead vocalist), Skyler Taylor (guitar), Tyler Brownen (guitar), Tyler Sanchez (bass) and Shadow Stephenson (drums). The band released a complete DIY effort entitled Shadows, that contains five songs which give you a good idea of the style and direction they are headed. 

The sound quality of Shadows can’t compete with something from a reputable, professional studio but it is competitive with a lot of other DIY style releases. I have to admit some of the songs have intense parts that would have been more visceral if there was more definition, dynamics and separation. Sound quality aside Shadows is an engaging listen that sometimes goes off in unexpected but welcome areas.

Shadows starts with “Box of Sleepers” and the first initial riff reminded me of something I could hear from a band like Bloc Party. It’s a clean, atmospheric part that doesn’t last too long. The band gets some energy when the verse hits and I thought the lead guitar was inventive but also too buried in the mix. The chorus itself was a bit too familiar sounding. Overall, a solid first effort. 

The next song “New Eyes” solidifies that the band has some technical talent from all the members. Taylor is full of creative riffs from a Smashing Pumpkins-esque fill to intricate Pretty Girls Make Graves type leads. The highlight of the EP was “An Evening With Victoria” which was the most experimental the band gets. Towards the end of the song the band goes into post-rock territory and pull it off quite well. They meld their punk tendencies with balance and precision. 

Overall, Shadows is a solid debut effort, which establishes the band has innate talent and chemistry. That being said, they still have some tweaking to do and seem to be in midst of finding their sound.
Become A Fan
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact