I’m going to keep this relatively brief to avoid offence, because Djevara are so angry, I certainly don’t want to make them any angrier. But I’m afraid they have also made me angry, not an effect I personally enjoy in music. Despite being an avid rock fan since I knew I had ears- (discounting the Kylie and Jason era in 1988)- I have never followed the apparent line in ‘post-hardcore’ rock, mainly due to the effect that it has on my mood. For me, music has to have melody or at least some sense of rhythm, rather than being merely just a lot of noise and constant changing time signatures. While some have criticised Biffy Clyro for selling out on their more recent commercial success, I relish a move away from the infuriating ‘mathy’ approach to their earlier releases. Just give me something to sing along to, for crying out loud.

Do I not understand what Djevara are trying to do? Probably not. Do I want to? Even less so. Having said that, apparently I am in the minority here and they are one of the leading independent bands in the UK at present, admittedly achieving a lot through their own hard work and, judging by their Myspace page for one, are set to do even more with forthcoming releases and European dates. And they can’t be knocked for their huge amounts of raw energy, a fact also recognised by Kerrang’s 4Ks accolade. Vocally they sound like Fighting With Wire shouting at Rage Against the Machine, although treating us to an out-of-tune tribute to a chanting Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the more acoustic title track. As bizarre as this offering is, it is an avenue I wish the trio explored more as it makes for a much more listenable formula (well, kind of). Perhaps they also realise this, because it almost seems like a plea when they state in their press release ‘one half listened spin will not deliver the goods’, suspiciously knowing that this is as much as this release will get. I only hope some unsuspecting old woman doesn’t meet a sticky end if she picks up the CD from the charity shop shelf it will soon reside on. No hate mail - you do claim to donate a percentage of your revenue to charities such as Oxfam - I’m merely cutting out the middle man.

Anna C

http://djevara.com/

Released 1st February, 2010.