Deviant (SG)
What We Bring Forth
4.3
Writer William Gibson once poignantly described the small island caught between Malaysia and Indonesia, otherwise known as Singapore, as nothing but “Disneyland with the death penalty.” Funny, considering that Singapore’s latest (if not only) metalcore export, Deviant, is almost as obvious a paradox - he just may have been on to something.
What We Bring Forth, the debut, self-released EP from this trio of Randy Blythe / Trevor Phipps loyalists isn’t in and of itself a paradox, in fact - it is just plain horrible. The paradox exists when trying to determine who is at fault for this audial atrocity. Honestly, if this EP been put out anywhere within the borders of a country with a well respected metal scene, nailing it to a cross and leaving it a bloody metalcore martyr to deter the next band of Howard Jones hopefuls would be guiltless. However, given that the boys in Deviant have undertaken the task of playing cheap imitation Lamb of God, Damageplan etc. styled metal with melodic nu-metal undertones in a country that is notorious for rigorous artistic and political censorship, as well as criminal punishment for infractions as small as not flushing a toilet – earns them at least a smidgeon of absolution.
Given the social climate and geographical isolation in which Deviant exists, it is understandable that the trio, most likely hasn’t suffered the overexposure the rest of us have to the current medio-core epidemic. If that is the case - then their hopelessly amateur approach merits some overlooking, but still, that may be giving them too much credit. What We Bring Forth is little more than thrash laden metalcore in the worst possible way. Not only does the EP merit the common ‘unoriginal’ tag placed on most metalcore bands - but also it deserves a special distinction for not even doing unoriginal well. It is clear that the collective inexperience of the young band prevents it from even being a competent knock off. Each song showcases the band as dangerously close to falling off tempo or out of tune at every turn. They seem so concentrated on not screwing up their dry, single riff arrangements, that the songs never really take on the natural thrash swagger it would take to really bring them to life. They kind of operate with the same awkward and distracted mentality of a virgin getting his shot at a porn star on prom night. The vocals, as well, are void of any real consistency or texture, at times they synch to the music so poorly you almost want to believe the band just ran out of studio time and had to settle on the first take. Basically, just picture a bunch of suburban teenage sophomores trying their best to make it through a piss poor cover of “Black Label,” now make them Asian and voila – you have Deviant.
I guess I would recommend this EP to anyone who can stomach and enjoy third tier metalcore acts such as 36 Crazyfists or A Dozen Furies and is looking for something a tad more ‘underground.’ Other than that - I would advise to stay clear until the band drastically improves its level of musicianship. If ever that day comes.
