Vanity Project - Filth, Fit Or Thirteen Review
Proper metal, as some may call it, without the denim and patches of gumby or the forced nu-metal quirks. Takes tried and tested styles – grinding riffs, rattling drums but also angelic interludes suggesting a Muse influence, but excellently executed. It is easy for acts of this type to think just continually pummelling hard and loud is the key. Not so and Tinnitus’ restraint sets them apart.
The Fly July 2005 - Filth, Fit or Thirteen Review
First impressions of the new Tinnitus CD Filth, Fit or Thirteen are that someone’s old man has a heap of cash he doesn’t mind splashing out on the boys. It's eye-catching, professionally pressed and the liner notes are glossy; magazine quality. Of course it could just be the case that Tinnitus have some very good friends and I’m not knocking the lads for having a pretty CD, but true beauty is about what's inside. The first three seconds of opener Dust set the pace and the drums pick you up like a wave might, tossing you crashing into the track. Like all the tracks it is filled with examples of skilled musicianship, flawless timing and vocal acrobatics. A little too much experimentation going on in Dust - the singer has enviable range but he proves it with far less effort in track two and my favourite, The Author. It’s anthems like these that make Tinnitus capable of making it mainstream. Track 3, Shenting Philth is fucking relentless, both musically and emotionally (cause of death: guitar). As if to soothe away my pain, the next track up is the divine Harmonic, another of their trademark anthems. This song has a Tubular Bells-esque intro and a hint of spiritual chant about it. It gives the album the beauty that emo-fuelled rock should rightfully be drenched in. The final track is Passer. My only complaint is that it's too long – the saying ‘you can’t have too much of a good thing’ is no less bullshit than ‘an apple a day…’. Going mainstream is a turn-off for a lot of metal bands but there’s not so much a sense of rebellion about these guys as there is business opportunity. They want the job and this CD is their CV. If I was the other candidate, I’d be walking back to the job centre.
Paula Woodwark
flywessex.blogspot.com
The Fly Magazine
My personal tip for future stardom, young Flylets, is Tinnitus, who slam it into the back of the net at Portsmouth's Alcatraz night, White Swan (13th). No shoe-gazing going on here, guvna, just unadulterated, highly polished rock, with a sound as tight as Nickelback and a vocalist as smooth as Jason Downs. Go see them NOW before they're playing alongside Busted on TOTP (the poor f*ckers).
Paula Woodwark
flywessex.blogspot.com
Tinnitus Debut EP
Since hearing excerpts from this EP on Foing, I've found myself to be rather keen on Tinnitus. I was very pleased to be handed a copy by bassist Jasper. First things first, this demo looks stunning. A simple wallet and cover idea is complimented by fantastic designs, great printing and a nice, official-looking CD. Top marks. As for the contents of the CD, I was thoroughly impressed. Opening track "Harmonic" is the single best song I've heard out of Portsmouth, ever, with great melodies, harmonies, smooth guitars and fantastic riffs throughout. "MGain", the second track, is not quite as good but still has it's moments - most notably, the chorus, one of the most melodic and catchy I've heard in a while.
Presentation - 5/5
Songs - 4/5
Quality - 4/5
Overall - 4/5
Sparky
www.pompeymusic.co.uk
Tinnitus Debut EP
The one CD in the bunch I was expecting to have to review through gritted teeth was the self titled demo from Portsmouth based band Tinnitus. I had seen them live and not thought they were particularly great and so consequently resigned them to the ‘okay, they’re young, maybe they’ll get better’ pile!! Well, they did!! Okay, it’s not perfect and after the standout first track, they do lose the momentum a tad, but what a stand-out first track it is!!
‘Harmonic’ is an absolutely brilliant slice of rock music. With huge dynamics, a great performance and a very listenable and engaging vocal which holds it all together brilliantly. It brings to mind many bands (A Perfect Circle for one), but no one band (or style even) instantly leaps out at me, unlike many rock and metal bands. I like it very much. Keep writing tracks like this and they may go far.
Mike Spall
www.southscene.net
