There are some bands that follow and some bands that lead, and sometimes the bands that lead are the ones you would least suspect. Rolo Tomassi have probably suffered from preconceptions more than most innovators. Fresh faced and, shock horror, with a pretty female lead singer (who, it so happens, can out scream most hardcore legends), there are many out there who would look at Rolo Tomassi and dismiss them immediately out of hand.
Well, over the course of two full-length albums, 'Hysterics' and 'Cosmology', Rolo Tomassi have proved not only that appearances are deceptive but also that anyone who doubts their genuine ability is a complete and utter moron. With an eclectic mix of stylistic elements drawn from the worlds of hardcore, metal, jazz and electronic music, Rolo Tomassi have created a sound that is entirely their own. As such, one must see 'Astraea' in context. Sure, this is only Rolo Tomassi’s third album, but the first two were so genre-bustingly brilliant that they have earned the right to do pretty much whatever the hell they want from this point forwards.
Make no mistake; 'Astraea' is a big pitch to take Rolo Tomassi to new heights. This album is noticeably more accessible than either of its predecessors, but not via a dramatic change in the band’s sound. It would be more accurate to say that 'Astraea' sees, not a new Rolo Tomassi, but a Rolo Tomassi more clearly defined than ever.
For starters, this album is, at points, almost stupefyingly heavy. In the past the band has mostly relied on its style-hopping mentalist antics to frighten their listeners into submission. On 'Astraea', whilst that side of the band is by no means left forgotten, some of the riffs on this record make such a huge impact that you are already dizzy by the time the band launches its traditionally schizophrenic assault on your ears. Opener 'Ex Luna Scientia' alone should be enough to silence any who still doubt that this band can provide noise that is genuinely brutal as well as genuinely mind boggling.
Interestingly, despite the increased focus on heaviness this time around, 'Astraea' is largely as brilliant as it is because of its quieter, more melodic moments. Certainly when 'Illuminare' takes off and launches itself into space as an anthemic album closing epic one has to question whether there is anything Rolo Tomassi cannot do. Considering that this album has emerged after line-up changes and taken longer than many expected, it is a stunningly cohesive and consistently excellent achievement. Every single band member is on the top of their game and, although some might complain that this record is a bit less exciting and unpredictable than previous efforts, every last moment of this record is a joy to listen to. In fact, it’s very much the finest Rolo Tomassi record to date.
'Astraea' is out via Destination Moon on Monday 5th November. Rolo Tomassi are touring the UK right now.
Wed October 24th 2012 - Rainbow, Birmingham
Thu October 25th 2012 - Cockpit, Leeds
Fri October 26th 2012 - Sumo, Middlesborough
Sat October 27th 2012 - Deaf Institute, Manchester
Sun October 28th 2012 - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Tue October 30th 2012 - Arts Centre, Norwich
Wed October 31st 2012 - XOYO, London
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Well, over the course of two full-length albums, 'Hysterics' and 'Cosmology', Rolo Tomassi have proved not only that appearances are deceptive but also that anyone who doubts their genuine ability is a complete and utter moron. With an eclectic mix of stylistic elements drawn from the worlds of hardcore, metal, jazz and electronic music, Rolo Tomassi have created a sound that is entirely their own. As such, one must see 'Astraea' in context. Sure, this is only Rolo Tomassi’s third album, but the first two were so genre-bustingly brilliant that they have earned the right to do pretty much whatever the hell they want from this point forwards.
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