‘Undecided Behaviour’, debut self-released album, from Belgian prog, industrial metal band, Sister May, is out now, via Lay Bare Recordings, on vinyl, CD and digital formats.
Fusing noise rock, punk, alt, with the main prog, industrial elements, it makes for an interesting overall sound.
Pre-production by Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer), production by Filip De Bot, renowned for his Penthouse Studio work.
Their vast live experience has created deeply engrossing shows and cemented their place, on the underground circuit.
The Floater – Oddly sci-fi intro, coupled with mysterious vocal styles. Reaching its stride, at 1:09, with a deep bass line and lead riff. Drumming joining the rest. Unusual atmospherics, featuring unpredictable aspects. The track lifts, just before the ¾ mark. Lots of fluid sounds and noise features, via light percussion. Fading vocals.
Headshot – Livelier opening, utilising reverb. Similar vocals, with a slightly lighter vibe. Here, the riffs crash into life and the drums are steadier, yet more enlivening. It’s a bit more alt rock, in places. Actually, there’s a catchy thread to this; especially where the drums intensify, past the bridge. A sonic edge brings greater power, fading out, on a stronger tone.
Dust Devil – A smooth intro tone, segueing, into a spacey structure. Heaviness building, gradually, alternating with mixed styles and textures. Growing steadily stronger, but ever unpredictable. That combo of techniques brings an adventurous theme, but one which fudges any clear sense of direction.
Guts – An opening sound, like a perforated edge, running right into smoother territory. Again, it’s experimental, but lacking in a recognisable hook. This does lift, more melodically, though. It’s quite resonant of pop-rock bands, such as INXS, Duran Duran, etc. Definitely clearer melodies, the further in you get. Ending with more definition and some lighter, higher pitched vocals, audible, just before.
Borderline – Much more energised drumming opens, with the bass, thrumming, underneath. More experimental threads and vocals. Alternating the pace; strengthening the cymbals. Darker, here and there. Stop-start section, ¾ in, before speeding up, again. A clash of sounds, closing on a grungy, Nirvana-esque vocal.
Sworn – Electronic features intro. Growing, quickly, into fuller combo’s. Bigger bass presence. Replicating malfunctioning gadgetry, with the electronic sections. Enthusiastic, vocally and instrumentally. Just tricky to follow. Building the volume and tempo, towards the end.
The Kneep – Clearer melodic intro. Gradually building the tension and releasing, on the drum rolls. A slight desolation enters the vocals, plausibly conveyed. This is possibly the strongest atmosphere, yet. Screams rend the air, on the way to the bridge. A vacuum leads into the next section. Climbing higher, intensifying the drum beats and fading, on a riff.
Dope – An energised drum roll opens, on to screech effect and a brief key section. Now, intro’ing a combo of bounce, funk, fuzz and general mystique. A little cinematic, in style. Moving into more unpredictable realms, with a variety of accompaniments and stylistics. A colourful keyboard section, after the bridge, continuing, into the rest; providing a sense of consistency, within the chaos.
Overall – ‘Undecided Behaviour’ is well-titled, given its chaotic style and volatility. Whilst points must be awarded, for its inventive experimentation and versatility, the vastness and clashing cacophonies of sounds and methods used create confusion, rather than unifying themes. At this stage, they might be better off showing a clearer direction, by minimising the different approaches and clarifying the album’s route. Enthused, but conflicting.
7/10 *******
For fans of INXS, Inspiral Carpets, Duran Duran, Vicious Nature, Chaos Over Cosmos, IDDQD, Dark Years From Now, Flesh Eating Foundation.
Press contact: Mike de Coene, at Hard Life Promotion.
https://www.facebook.com/hardlifepromotion
https://www.youtube.com/@sistermay1974/about
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