Static Of The Gods...it's all in the name.
Since the emphatic recent successes of The Gossip, a lot of bands, believe it or not, have decided that being female-fronted is the way forward, and have made alterations in the hope that they'll hit the big-time (by alterations, I don't mean getting out the blonde wigs, borrowing a bra from their mum, filling it with some socks, cutting their bits off, singing falsetto or anything like that). Many of their sudden transformations thankfully have been to no avail, as the original female fronted bands, the ones with the real quality, have prevailed. Static Of The Gods are a solid example of that.
This band have an illusory image, and in 'Cycles' they sort of pull back everything, taking off the disguises leaving us with nothing more than their bear, raw talent...and so very much of it they have. This is an ecstatic, expressive and passionate album abundant in innovation and spirit.
"2.33" is the opening track. A flirtatious pass at Avril Lavigne but firmly grasped to their own pioneering sound, Static Of The Gods, construct a bold and magical start to this, their best collection of songs. Title-tune, "Cycles Follow Signs", is a gripping, refined piece of rock. "City Is Closed" toggles some great instrumentation poised against an amazing bunch of lyrics. "User" proves to be a magical song and "Swing and Sway" touches on the sound of No Doubt particularly vocal-wise; sky-scraping vocals and a funky brand of instrumentals.
"Pushback" is an example of the perfect rock song, just ample amounts of magnificence, not over-done. "Natural Law" is a down-tempo, mysterious rock track, tossed into the mix to provide colour and contrast. "Between Us" is a spirited rock track, with a magnificent guitar exhibition.
One-hell of an album from the "next big thing" that female-fronted has to offer the world of rock. A static, captivating and entirely thrilling album. A penetrative sound, an incredible balance between instruments and voice and a sense of something new, awe-inspiring and exciting. Prepare to be electrified by this band and their brand of ecstatic, pulsating rock music.