As the momentum gradually builds during the intro to ‘Just Breathe’, there’s more than a nod to the classic rock genre as Down The Line, the latest release from Glasgow five-piece Diamond Mindworks, soon bursts into life.
The opener has a number of expected ingredients, including a trio of roaring guitars, a stylish sol, and chants of “woooaaah!”, in a strong introduction to what lies in store.
A short piano interlude with ‘Shadows’ provides a breather before ‘Sirens’ grabs hold and doesn’t let go, rag-dolling the listener through an aggressively impressive track with sinister guitars and a head-banging crescendo.
‘Numb’ keeps up the pace, finishing with attention again paid to building up the tension before another thunderous conclusion.
The title track follows, with an atmospheric intro making way for a hard-hitting tune that keeps up the unrelenting tempo.
The opening of ‘Out of the Dark’ is electrifying and the track as a whole is a highlight with all the finer attributes of the band on show; the song positively drips with sweat and there’s defiance in the vocals, before the track concludes with a return of the atmospheric piano.
This is carried forward into ‘Bonus Track’ with the added synthesisers and echoing vocals giving a different dimension to the opening, with the song as a whole being highly reminiscent of some decent 80s rock album tracks.
This is impressive work from a talented rock band, although at times there is the impression given that perhaps the group are sticking to a tried and tested formula; that said, there’s no question it works well.
The potential is definitely there to take things further in the future and begin to produce a truly unique Diamond Mindworks sound but as far as EPs go, this is certainly a success.
Down the Line EP by Diamond Mindworks
Words: Jason Henderson
