Unlike most bands, the accompanying biography to this EP actually hits the
nail on the head when it describes their music as a mix of scouse psychedelia
and old-fashioned Rock and Roll. Evolving from an acoustic two piece into
a full band, its obvious Volcanoes know how to craft a tune. The main problem
with this demo is that its roots lie well and truly in the past and often fails
to offer a contempory twist on a retro genre – something which they must master
if they are to progress.
Opener Room with the Red Door is the best track on this demo, sounding like its
been lifted directly off Love’s Forever Changes with double tracked acoustic
guitars and psychedelic vocal in place. The toe-tapping rhythm and excellent
vocal melody keep the track moving along nicely until more Love-esque guitars
appear later on.
The more sparse and experimental sounding Shallow Fire tries to recall The Doors
at any opportunity but worrying slips into Crowded House territory a couple of
times. The slow burning guitar solos of the second verse are excellent, as is
the bass that bubbles under throughout. The overblown chorus seems to be a stretch
too far and doesn’t really suit the experimental feel. The finger-picked guitar
and bongo outro brings the track back down to earth nicely though.
Long Live My Enemies inhabits the middle ground between the first two tracks –
toe-tapping yet in parts quite sparse – and has some good moments as a result.
At under ten minutes for the entire CD, Volcanoes do manage to get their point
across nicely and don’t leave the listener feeling either bored or cheated.
The only worry is that the EP may showcase all they have to offer.