Pitch Perfect
  • Pitch Perfect
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

elephant gunn - Manifest Destin

6/10/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
Elephant Gunn

Manifest Destin
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton
Elephant Gunn are four rockers based out of Phoenix, Arizona. The band has played shows in outlying areas including Surprise, Tempe and Scottsdale and they have released two EP's, the one at hand being the Manifest Destin EP. This album has a wide variety of sounds, from the hard and heavy to the golden oldies. As a whole, Manifest Destin leaves a little bit of a dirty taste behind considering the muddy distortion and delay sections, but it's all in the name of gritty rock.

This album builds and breaks like the jaws of street thugs, caught somewhere between Rage Against The Machine and Queens of the Stone Age. The guitars work for every riff, finding lineage and repetition, the drums pummel everything from a heavy surf rock beat to full on double bass rioting. The vocals are rich, but don't get in the way of the music, which is a tribute to the band in recognizing that their electric performance isn't tied to lyrics or vocal prowess. Throughout Manifest Destin, the band tries to portray new moods by alternating from hard rock to a soft edged grunge. It's a good method for keeping listeners interested - I would suggest that the tracks all bite from the start, whether that's hard or light, but too many of them lack a grabbing birth. I want to hear a strong riff being introduced right away and the only one that did that for me was "Suffocated By A Supernova." A thick wave of rocky fuzz needs no exposition and that makes this track stand alone.

"The Wake" may just have the best composition of the album. It has build worthy of the riff, the bass line is proud and steady, the drums powerful and groovy and the vocals are right where they need to be. The song journeys into heavier territory after the second chorus and it's enough to get anyone to bang their head. The walls of sound are bare and raw without any guitar solo or effects to distract. The ending is rather abrupt and didn't seem to be very cohesive to me, but it's permissible. There's some great guitar work on "Raise The Dead.” It's high, loose and very explorative anchored by tremendous chords.

"In Misery" is an artful bluesy tune that lasts too long, but shows a well versed side of Elephant Gunn in the process. I was immediately intrigued by the melodic intro and it didn't fall away at any point, the progression was solid and consistent, only deviating to a somewhat reggae halftime feel briefly. Then it was back to home run rock n roll. As the song dies out that same loner guitar intro returns in all its treble-less glory and melancholy undertow.
Become A Fan
bandcamp
2 Comments
Monica Rodriguez
6/11/2014 01:59:59 am

These guys are truly amazing! Each of them is very talented, dedicated and hard working. Through all that they have accomplished, they remain humble. Not only are their cd ' s addictive and enjoyable but their live shows are out of this world! They interact with crowd while telling a little joke here and there and leave everyone in awe after each song. You will see people dancing and screaming in adoration! Check them out people! You will not be disappointed!

Reply
Monica Rodriguez
6/11/2014 02:00:35 am

Reply

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 pitchperfect158
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    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
© Pitch Perfect 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Pitch Perfect
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact