Rumpus - EP By Michelle Dee

This offering from Sheffield band Rumpus - features seven varied tracks of atmospheric unusual electro death rock. They have managed to mix up the genres of Indie rock with a shade of electronica and a hefty slab of death metal vocals. This ambitious approach stands up well to scrutiny and has resulted in a few influential eyes and ears turning their way. Be aware, there be sharks prowling the streets of Sheffield. The E.P. opens with ballsy guitar licks and screams from front man Danny. The Woods is a moralistic tale for flighty girls warning them to not to stray of the path.

Come on, you just know that the cowboys in the woods are going to be far too tempting and warrant further investigation. The disquieting vocals really get the juices flowing and occasional sampling of owls all help to create the dark and for boding mood. Good strong opener.

The clear falsetto vocals on Starfox change into a more recognisable indie sound as the song turns Weezer like. The bass player shows a sense of humour with a teasing little section that stops and starts enticingly. Let Me In plays with the idea of contrasting lyrical styles; gruff verses and death metal guitars to the disturbing images suggested by the engine roar chorus. This song stays in your head all day.

The musical shift is almost as dramatic as the first time you heard Cradle of Filth. Though why the song opens with a peculiar poultry question I can't fathom. Too many chickens inside the cupboard?

The next track Disconnecting Seam goes on a slick journey through time with floating bass lines, screechy vocal then a spacey keyboard kicks in from nowhere. An early Floyd/Genesis quality in the middle, keep you guessing as to where the song is going. Some devastatingly good, layered vocals give the song depth and reverberate around your head. Imagine a quarter slice of Fly agaric toadstools cut during solstice dipped in ginger whisky and swallowed whole. How are you starts soft and breathy accompanied by simple keyboards then takes a turn counter clockwise. Good, sweet and innocent do battle for supremacy with menacing maniacal guitars.

The purity is endearing and shows of Danny's wide vocal range once again. Wickedly understated, twisted fun.

The Park rocks and crashes along with cider drenched bass lines. Some catchy lyrics suggest lots of drunken head banging fun. Biochemistry surprises with a mechanical beat that kind of turns round on it self, then the vocal goes all Darkness. It may be a pastiche or tribute but not too overdone as to grate on the nerves. A memorable last track that will have you singing the Sheffield five pieces' praises. Don't forget Rumpus - will return to Hull to headline at the White Room May 13 get your selves there. You won't be disappointed.

In the meantime check out the video (download from the Rumpus - website) and get the download of Ohh Yeah from iTunes. www.rumpus.gb.com

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