Style: Progressive grunge / indie (clean vocals)
Review by: Will
Country: Japan
Release date: 11 December 2021
We at the Progressive Subway pride ourselves on finding interesting new bands from the underground prog scene. Demo EP is a, well, Demo from the intriguing Tokyo-based Aztec Brides, a band so far underground, they barely appear on Google searches and barely cast a shadow on social media. In fact, though the band has been together writing music for over a year, they have only been playing gigs for a surprising 2 months.
This demo, clocking in under 25 minutes in length, is a selection of five interesting tracks, each with their own unique identities. Ranging from slumbrous bedroom indie-track “Native” through 50s rock-n-roll inspired house-shaker “Backachin”. The whole EP feels like a refreshing change of pace; it’s rare to hear a home-made demo EP so polished and with such infectious energy. Especially considering the vocals were recorded in a closet lined with mattresses and blankets owing to a personnel change on vocals early(er) in the band’s career.
The band’s interesting and eclectic sound derives from their international nature and differing music tastes: Humberto “Beto” De Armas, a Venuzuelan guitarist / bassist heavily influenced by 60s rock with bands like The Doors; Dean Thompson, an Australian drummer and fan of wu-tang, and neo-soul jazz; and Erina Ito, Japanese hip-hop dancer turned singer. The confluence of differing culture and musical influence contributes to an energetic and entertaining album which, although relying heavily on Beto’s 60’s rock influences, still manages to pull off their sound in a creative way. They manage to tread the tightrope between a nostalgic sound but with a contemporary twist: Beto’s classic-feeling riffs underscored by Thompson’s contemporary jazz style of drumming and overlayed by Ito’s dreamy, keening lyricism.
The live-band-at-a-friend’s-houseparty energy is well preserved in the recording; in fact, it’s pretty darn infectious, especially on their big, loud tracks like “Backachin”. But there’s a lot more than simply good vibes and energy that’s worth listening to on this demo: “Nova” is a daydream of a song with a guitar tone and sound that puts me in mind of Incubus with it’s deliciously thick, warm tone. And “New Delhi” is a particularly interesting and beautifully prog track where Beto adopts a beautiful, mesmerising sitar tone backed by a well-executed Indian inspired drumline overlaid with hypnotic mantra-like vocals. Overall, the tracks seem well chosen to demonstrate a band with versatility both to fill a dancefloor, and create a beautiful, introspective soundscape.
Listening to Aztec Brides has felt like re-reading a favourite book that you haven’t picked up in a long time: Though you remember the story, it’s familiarity is comforting and allows you to relax into a tale well told. Similarly, Aztec Brides’ sound may not be mind-bendingly novel but familiarity after a long hiatus is, in its own way, refreshing and (in uncertain times) somewhat comforting. Though they clearly lean heavily on their influences, there’s something in the particular dynamic of the trio that feels new and exciting. They’re certainly a band that is worth following and keeping an eye on in anticipation of an album.
Recommended tracks: Native, Backachin, New Delhi
Recommended for fans of: The Doors, Hole
You may also like: Goat Girl
Final verdict: 6/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Instagram
Label: Self-Published
Aztec Brides is:
– Humberto “Beto” De Armas (Guitar and Bass)
– Dean Thompson (Drums)
– Erina Ito (Vocals)
