Hydrovibe are an up and coming band who feature a female vocalist as well as former Incubus DJ, DJ Lyfe who now goes by the handle of DJ 1987. Comparisons don't come easy to the sound this band creates, sure there's guitar heroics similar to Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, but the field of sounds attacked by band guitarist Mat are far from Tom's preferred arsenal of riffs. There's energizing scratches laid courtesy of DJ 1987 that bring back memories of old Incubus and then there's the husky female raps consonant to Tarrie B. and then to top it all off there's an electronic element at play that completes the package and gives it the edge to stand out on it's own. The band combine together an impeccable wall of sound with each instrument firmly holding each other in place and supporting one another, it's this wall of music that pays immense attention to detail whether it be through effects, turntables or just all out groove, the songs consistently engulf you. Sporting a sharp tongued female rapper backed by male vocals over top of shrieking effect laden guitar parts, stunningly precise bass growls, reflex like drums and ensnaring turntable terrorism the band packs quite the punch. Heather's vocals bring to mind a more hip-hop version of Tarrie B. similar to her Tura Satana days rather than her previous efforts, but while Tarrie screams out gravel gargling howls Heather instead expresses herself with a very husky deep tone, astute mic skills and shrewd lyrics. At times Heather can also sound reminiscent to Maria of Drain STH fame while howling through the haunting choruses, but doesn't limit herself to the same monotone pitch of the latter and instead stretches her range and shovels out the emotion. Backing vocals and a few guest raps are also sparsely supplied by guitarist Mat which sets the stage for a strong contrast between vocal tone dynamics as well as keeps things refreshing. Lyrically Heather brings motivational lyrics that instantly hook into you, the words that are spit out at a rapid fire pace are easily digestible and true to life, instead of candy coating and hiding the meanings behind innuendo's, she spits out life lessons and positive takes on common issues such as fake people and other day to day encounters. It's this visceral real life lyrical assault that gives the band a unique edge, there is alot of diversity shown in the lyrical writing and it's not as simple as it sounds upon closer inspection, but it constantly maintains a tangible message that hits close to home and therefore makes the music all the more powerful. Guitars are potently concentrated shifting seamlessly between aggressive riffs to spacey sonic voyages. Although at most times atmospheric, the guitars still play an integral part in the bands music. Implementation of Wah-Wah Pedals, funk, misc. effects and the ability to repeat an intriguing riff solidly for an extended period of time and then switching it up with without letting the parts grow stale or repetitious is one of the more prevalent talents that Mat possesses. Bass is fluid but with a strictly regulated approach. The basslines don't greatly vary and provide more of a hip hop feel than usual bass work, although they can become mildly tedious at times, they do fit well with what the band is playing and provide for more of a backbone instead of ear candy. Drums are solid and follow a loose guideline that keeps the music pushing onward. There is also some electronics throw in by drummer Charlie which keeps things fresh percussion and density wise. Turntables courtesy of DJ 1987 are astounding, it feels as though he was given free reign over the tracks here and it shows how restrained he was in his Incubus work. His style has evolved ages ahead of previous efforts, on one choice part of his playing on the disc he scratches a voice sample of Funkdoobiest's Son Doobie making it almost feel like Son is guesting on the track, with most turntablists shooting for noise or background dissonance, it's enthralling to hear a return to a more moderate hip hop approach that isn't afraid to combine vocals into the ambient scratches. He truly is a master of turntable wizardry as he scratches through anarchic sonic noise mixing it seamlessly into constrained vocal scratches and never ceases to amaze. DJ 1987's work is one of the brighter highlights on this demo and without question he is one of the best DJ's in the game. The band's main strong point is definitely their attention to detail with the parts and fills that encompass the back of the music, not necessarily poking out at you, the parts instead seep out when you listen closely to the music, it's scope is so lush and thick it's hard not to be entranced by everything that's going on. Another highlight would be the bands diversity, they don't limit themselves to one formula and instead try out alot of innovative ideas, whether it be the evil carnival sounds of "The Cycle" or the straight on rapcore of "Road Rage" the band is on point and comes direct. Standout tracks would be "New Light", a very deep emotional track filled with soulful croons and funked out wah's layering over flowing verses and a hard hitting breakdown. Another stand out track would be "Mind Clarity" which shows off the bands almost trademarked heavy female driven rapcore, chaotic scratches and a raw chorus. There really isn't any downsides to this CD, it truthfully is very solid and goes down smooth from beginning to end. At first some listeners may be alienated by a females voice being the main vocal, but once you adjust to it, the music begins to stick in your head leaving you thirsting for more of the wheelbarrow full of emotion and talent the band possesses. Hydrovibe is one of the few bands that prove rapcore isn't completely saturated or dead just yet, with a positive street wise message, talent in excess and a head on groove woven through complex spider web like song structures, the band leaves but one question. Just what dojo did these ninjas train in? Because more bands need to spend some time there perfecting their craft like this.
(5 / 5)