deadstate - I

deadstate

I
self-released; 2018

​3.6 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

If you ever thought synthesizers could not possibly go well together with an alt-rock punk style of music, then I suggest you check out deadstate. This band from Aldershot, UK released their first EP I in April and it’s a rock solid debut if ever there was one. High energy, tight rhythms and a mix of older and newer sounds are what I would initially describe deadstate’s overall sound to be.

​“Flightless” sets the solid tone of the EP with nervous high energy, a jerky tight beat and a great melding of distorted guitar with an echoing spaciousness of a lead guitar. “Flight With The Lights On” features a mix of older and newer sounds. Just a little new wave mixed in the overall post-punk sound – tense and explosive, short and sweet.

“Family” was my favorite from this band. It has a classic synth sound of the ‘80s with an alt-rock feel that’s enticing. The tempo is a bit slower and the song’s message is socially conscious from what I could tell. The shredding guitar solo with hints of The Edge’s sound made for one hell of a fantastic song. This one should really be on the album charts.

“Death Comes In Threes” begins with a skipping intro and harmonious vocals. Darker themed lyrics with rage filled backing vocals sing of despair, helplessness and hopelessness – “the damage is done.” “Modern Love” has an awesome intro on the synths, fast changing energy and tight, memorable lyrics – a nice mix throughout of punk / alt-rock with the synths mixed in. The lead guitars here also have an expansive, spacious sound that really adds a new dimension. About three-quarters the instruments pull back for a bit and then end with a mix of loud rage and quieter tones.

Overall, deadstate was hard to compare to any one band, or even two, but give them a listen if you’re into raw, lively and high energy sounds that tips its hat to punk and alt-rock, oh – and yes, plenty of good synth.

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