The Longest Day – A State of Indifference

July 27, 2010 | Posted by Dan Renton

When reviewing music, making comparisons is a natural part of the process. The troubling thing when reviewing A State of Indifference – the debut album from Bournemouth based rock band The Longest Day – is whether to draw comparisons to other unsigned local artists, or major label acts such as Silverchair, 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse.

For a start, any band that takes this much care with their album presentation instantly earns kudos with me (and let’s remember these guys are unsigned). A swanky, high quality tri-fold sleeve adorned with sci-fi artwork by Marvel artist Boo Cook, houses what can only be described as a catchy, melodic, well produced, modern rock victory. It’s striking to the eyes and ears to say the least.

Dan Henry pushes his voice beyond that of a mortal man and everything is tight, textured and anthemic. Songs range from the thick and distorted, dark groove of King of Infamy to the sweet and understated Suburban Hell. The album’s choruses are catchy and the songs memorable – this being more important to me than anything else. As it happens, The Longest Day can back up these well written songs with excellent production values. A State of Indifference is certainly the most highly polished and sophisticated package to have landed on the Dorset Rock Online door mat so far. Maybe this is partly due to the subtle strings, keys and atmospherics that lace the music, or that the album has been produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Funeral For A Friend, Kids in Glass Houses).

Highlights for me, from this ten track release are album opener Kamikaze Dream, closer Time Will Tell and Breathe More Air. The latter being from a handful of songs that I feel have mainstream radio potential. The vocals and drums are, on occasion, a little loud in the mix for my tastes (and that’s not a knock on the musicianship) but as you can probably tell, I’m really scraping the barrel here.

I’ve already mentioned the names of a few bands that paint a picture of where I find The Longest Day’s sound. Even though the band present themselves in a clean and modern manner, it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that members of The Longest Day are inspired by at least some 90’s Grunge/Rock. Perhaps this is why the album sits so well with me.

From my perspective, A State of Indifference has raised the bar as far as local, unsigned releases go. The songs continue to grow on me and I hear new things in the music each and every time. I urge you to give this album a few plays. Regardless of whether The Longest Day are your bag, if this isn’t evidence enough of just how great your local bands are, I don’t know what is.

Words by Dan Renton

Press Photo by Tim Churchill - tim-churchill.com

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Categories: Album Review | Tags: A State of Indifference, Album Review, Band, Bournemouth, Dorset, Rock, The Longest Day | 7 Comments »

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