Silent Front - “Dead Lake” LP

 In a fickle underground scene made of relentless research for the sound of the next generation, the newest use for the oldest piece of gear, or the latest oddity in terms of harmonic choices, someone has chosen to express a neat and straightforward burst of rage, and to present it properly, promote it coherently and perform it impeccably.

 ”Dead Lake” (2010, We ♥ Records/Big Out/Art for blind/Rejuvenation/Triple Jump) estabilishes Silent Front as one of the most promising outfits in London’s underworld. They deservingly play a key role in the “family” they belong to, that cartel of heavy-avantgarde bands committing themselves to a spontaneous and passionate way of playing, recording, producing and pushing their works, aka DIY.  I’m talking about the likes of It Often Takes a War, Nitkowski, Shield your eyes, and Astrohenge just to mention a few, bands that form a chain of artists who support each other, run their nights in respect of musical quality and fair treatment for musicians (very uncommon, especially in UK) and tend to rely on the same bunch of professionals ( mostly musicians themselves) to carry out their production process. Alex Polakowki, graphic designer and James Plotkin, mastering engineer give a taste of the creative talent involved in “Dead Lake”.

  This is indeed a serious work, a ’90s-flavoured collection of post-math-core blast: introspective and dark lyrics set up a soulful screamo driven by saturated clanky guitars and large roaring basslines, while some of the finest drum patterning I’ve heard for a while progresses over tendencially slow and low-pitched themes. It somehow brings things back to a more down-to-earth approach the listener, running fluidly, heavy, somewhat bristly, possibly Some girls and Drive like jehu inspired, but wrapped in that cloudy south London bitterness.

 Silent Front perfomed for HF last 5th of June @ the Victory in Dalston, home of many DIY acts, in a quality one featuring Bogong in Action, Cutthroat Convention and Common Deflection Problems.

 Mint.