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Elly Roberts reviews
Hyphanated is a name to remember for the future.
The Wrexham quartet is spreading its wings since winning the Battle of theBands at the Stiwt Theatre Rhos earlier this year. Now upping their exposure,they recently turned out at Wrexhams premier venue Central Station with overa hundred loyal fans turning out to support their debut.
In the interim period theyve recorded an impressive five-track CD The LastDebut.
Ysgol Morgan Llwyd pupils Ryan Jarvis – drums, Danny Jones – bass, both 15,and Yale College students Adam Sidor lead guitar and Dion Still rhythm guitar lead vocals, both 16, are highly accomplished musicians. They draw theirinfluences from the American rock scene such as Metallica, and legendaryBritish super group Led Zeppelin.
On stage theyre cool customers, taking their music very seriously, which bodeswell for musical progression. Despite some sound problems they handled it liketrue professionals and never became distracted. Opening with Broken Soul,it showed all the hallmarks of sophistication: melody, dynamics and deftnessof touch.
Other highlights from their ten song setlist was a wonderful 21st Century twiston old standard House Of The Rising Sun. Change Is The Same ButDifferent was simply awesome, with its pseudo military style drumming andwiry guitars. I Loved You had a great riff, (arguably their best song),but the aggressive chorus let it down.
However they need to expand their repertoire considerably to make an impact,as there is a formulaic approach to songwriting which becomes predictable.Adding colour, killer riffs, sound experimentation and possibly a mini-acousticset bringing a greater balance, would pay dividends. This would make them standout and be noticed. If they could pool together their strengths, which are many,they could become a sensation.
Vocally, they can be weak at times, so this area needs some attention, possiblydropping the occasional chanting for a more subtle approach, with better hooks,e.g. Lost Vision. Wrapping it up for Christmas, they delivered a stormingversion of Slades Merry Xmas Everybody for which they received a huge roar.
There is much to admire about these lads, as everything seems to be in place.As a unit they have a solid rhythm section, allowing Adam Sidor to show hisfantastic digital wizardry.
They impressed me the first time around, and they are without doubt the mostpromising youngsters on what is a highly competitive local music scene.Success will come if they keep working on their songwriting skills. Moreimportantly they have the right attitude to hit the big time.
Contact Hyphanated on 07774 652627 orjohn@ies-limited.co.uk
Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2005.
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.