Wymond Miles
Cut Yourself Free
Reviewed by: Robert Brind
I suppose the intent of the opening track, “The Ascension,” is to ease you into the kind of music we are to later expect on this album. Fortunately, the latter part of the album exceeds such expectations. “The Ascension” is one of those tracks that starts with a simple three chord progression that repeats over and again. Then a second guitar layers on a very simple riff with that thick tone that was made popular in the ‘80s by such bands as Depeche Mode and The Cure. Eventually, the high hat turns into a rock beat on drums and the vocals cut in, but not until almost two minutes have passed. Were I listening merely for pleasure, I may not have made it to the later tracks that did impress me.
The album does indeed ascend from the first track, and by the fourth track, “White Nights,” the retro sound was beginning to grow on me. I dig the track’s baseline, and the drumming is solid. Despite the repetitive chorus, the song’s rhythm section drives the tune.
“I saw you just the other day. . . .you never saw me drive by,” bookends the opening verse on the melancholy track, “Vacant Eyes.” Once again, I was reminded of the melancholy, pre-emo, (yet actually emo) Depeche Mode. In fact, if this album was intended to pay homage to that band, it is wildly successful. Even Wymond’s voice sounds like that of Dave Gahan.
“Why Are You Afraid,” rocks a bit more than the rest of the album. “Why are you ashamed? You don’t have to be afraid,” reflects the hopefulness in this tune. A nice guitar hook fills in the chorus as Wymond urges his subjects to be themselves.
Unfortunately, whatever beauty is embedded in Wymond’s lyrics is rendered nearly indecipherable by poor sound mixing, and the music isn’t quite enough to carry this album for me. Although it wasn’t to my taste, “Cut Yourself Free” will definitely impress those who long for the soundscapes and mournful vocals of the slow-paced rock bands of the ‘80s.
Rating: Listenable
