Amplifier - Insider

by James Hickie

Amplifier have produced a definitive statement of intent

"Whilst Muse keep a canny ear on pop sensibilities and may rein in their most bombastic urges, Manchester prog-colossi Amplifier have no such qualms with heading towards the boundaries of the rock universe. "

For those who think British rock equals Razorlight get ready to be seismically shaken from your sheltered ignorance. For those who think that Muse are the last word in musically and lyrically epic British rock, get ready to unearth the motherload. Whilst Teignmouth's finest keep a canny ear on pop sensibilities and may rein in their most bombastic urges, Manchester prog-colossi Amplifier have no such qualms with heading towards the boundaries of the rock universe.

Such ambition seems to have been criminally unnoticed so far, with the trio's debut self-titled debut not giving them the exposure and acclaim they so deserved. Whereas sounding huge is a matter of volumes and effects, sounding humongous whilst retaining an irresistible accessibility is a matter of musical mastery and one that is a trademark of the Amplifier sound.

'Gustav's Arrival' is as suitably melodramatic an opener as fans of the band could hope for, like the sound of an alien satellite as it is taken into an unrelenting asteroid shower of battering eastern tinged riffs. Title track 'Insider' meanwhile is the best example of the marriage between the collective's vacuum tight grooves and singer/guitarist Sal Balamir's icily stoic vocal delivery. Close your eyes and let it wash this sublime sonic tidal wave crash over you - leaving a beautiful harmonic guitar solo guiding you out as it pierces through the infinite abyss.

Amplifier have produced a definitive statement of intent, the sound of a band who are creatively free, the kind of freedom lesser bands must earn three of four albums into their controlled careers. 'Insider' also serves as a reminder that bands like Amplifier and Oceansize are at the forefront of an extremely exciting time in British rock.

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