Domeshots is an interesting blend of mildly familiar styles thrown into a blender with reckless abandon, it's hard to compare what this band attempts on the CD with any other bands, perhaps some faint comparisons to a stripped down version of System Of A Down with a rough loose sound of Clutch would come close. The bands sound is aggressive with very light punk overtones and a definite open attitude. Long drawn out screams are a mainstay of vocalist Dan's arsenal, now although this in itself doesn't totally stand out among most of today's bands don't be fooled for when it's combined with crooning and an often almost quivering vibrating pitch that shifts back and forth through word inflections like the way it is on this CD, it definitely is something unique. He can easily sound off on spoken word styled vocal compositions or head straight into a more visceral vocal patterned but at most times the energy never really hits as strongly as it could, it often seems to feel lost in such an eclectic delivery. Lyrically the CD seems to take a light hearted approach at various bizarre issues, one song even features the lyric directed at the popular wrestling franchise, "This is a shoutout to the NWO" which then proceeds off into the name dropping of a few pro wrestlers. Guitarist Jim brings on solid riffs with a very loose clean tone and feel. A sparse usage of effects is implemented but rarely ever focused on. An interesting thing to note about his playing is that it's very hectic, he really spreads himself around on the instrument straying from conventional patterns of riffs while dabbling in harmonics and peculiar noises that don't follow the normal guidelines of an "ambient guitar player" (ala Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine), instead he drifts off into the sonic unknown constantly toying around with screeching feedback and alien tones. Throughout it all for the most part though he does stick to a set guideline of verse oriented riffs but does let loose with his own creativity often. Bass playing courtesy of Eric is very ardent with an array of slides and compact rounded out riffs that fit nicely into place among the other instrumental offerings. A point of interest about the approach he takes when playing his parts is the way he really drifts off into a pronounced riff with a moderate funk influenced flavor, in a musical style where it's almost customary to see a bass player mimic the guitar chords, it's nice to see a bit of individuality stand out. Drums are steady with a somewhat loose yet warm tuning and an above average battering assault that enwraps the bands sound nicely. Stand out tracks would be "Before Skin" which is the band at perhaps its most venomous peak, while the track "Craig Loves Steve" sketches the bands unusual ability to experiment as the song features an almost ska sounding melody. Unfortunately there are some downsides to the CD, first off would have to be production, the CD's mix really exudes highs and mids with little lows to an almost overwhelming extent, it really takes away from the CD by almost stripping it of an auditory dimension and can leave the listener wanting to turn down the treble. Another con of the CD, although this one can't be held against the band is a botched track that came through in manufacturing where a few seconds of a song starts playing and then abruptly cuts off, all songs do appear in their entirety though and this is not something the band can be held accountable for, but it does detract from the flow of the tracklist. Perhaps the most prevalent point that could be seen as a downside on the album though is the really light hearted approach the band takes, the sound is solid but not refined, most tracks have a real jam room quality and really suggest that the band is perhaps more of a free spirited live band or the songs are young in conception and haven't yet reached their stride. Overall the band displays a refreshing change of pace but with a questionable execution, the reasons for which are probably best not held against the band but the CD really doesn't make it to easy to capture the full vision of the band and the music they make, it does however give a good glimpse of their style and keeps the listeners interest. Domeshots bring about a humor and playfulness that is not found often in today's music scene, the implementation of their musical ideas may have not yet reached it's fullest potential but they bring forth a solid unique vibe that is refreshing and invigorating. A band that brings together new ideas is always welcome, but it seems that a little more precise focus on the band's ideas and concepts would indefinitely push the music to a more potent fruition.
(3.5 / 5)