Serj Tankian - Harakiri "Harakari" which is a Japanese term for ritualistic suicide is Serj Tankian's third solo album. Interesting and controversial title, but what else do you expect from him! Takian's solo breakthrough came with his release of debut record, "Elect The Dead", as before he was best known as frontman of rock band, System Of A Down. His latest solo work is more bold and daring than ever (in terms of musical experimentation and lyrically, characteristically focusing on politics and cultural issues), making this arguably his best solo work to date. First track "Cornucopia" has a good heavy rock and melodic sound with interesting lyrics about how we abuse the earth and will be the cause of the downfall of it. Good varied vocals from Serj. Good one to start with, as sets the stage for the rest of the what's to come, especially in terms of lyrical themes. "Figure it out" embraces more of a System Of A Down sound, with a heavy riff driving it, and great instrumentation that compliments his vocals. Serj does his usual bombardment of unusual ramblings that leave you bemused, trying to decode it..this is part of the appeal..I guess we have to 'figure it out'. This is a definite hightlight. "Ching Chume" is a brilliantly weird middle eastern almost rap chant and Serj shows of his ever expanding range of vocals, reaching heights that many will never achieve in many ways with strange sounds supporting him! Wonderfully weird, ramdom yet clever lyrics. This is one of best moments on the album. Title track "Harakari" is a slower and more mellow track, however it still remains powerful,as it was written about the deaths of birds and fish around the world in January 2011, "The drum fish, they beached themselves in harakari". The symbolic ominous sign of things that were happening in the world inspired Serj to write the song, making this a very eye opening track. "Uneducated Democracy" has a fast punk vibe to it at times and hard hitting heavy riffs and ever changing interesting rhythms. This is a bold song, stating "without education there is no real democracy", Serj as always get his thoughts across in a effective way. "Forget Me Knot" has the most sincere striking vocals and lyrics, in what is probably the best vocal performance seen throughout the album, as more stripped back at times and Serj shows of his more classic operatic style wails. "Reality TV" has great instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, sitars and electronic sounds. One of the best tracks in my opinion. Strong lyrics about modern life and its abominations, being Reality TV in this case, "I abhor the whore who calls herself reality tv". Brilliantly written with great melodies and riffs. Harakari is like Serj intended; it is very eye opening, and pushes the boundaries of lyrical themes and experimenting with different sounds. CL
Lipona - Networks Lipona don't sit comfortably into one set genre, yet that's their selling point. Their latest EP 'Networks' is an amalgamation of a string of styles that work together effortlessly. There's strong melodic nuances, a pop punk flavour meshed with flat out punk aggression; there's a lot to offer. While opener 'Followers' toys with a recording of George Carlin discussing religion before leaping into an upbeat musical assault, 'Comfort' slows things down with sleek guitar. Restrained vocals span the verse before the song thrashes into life, perfectly demonstrating the contrasts possessed within the EP. 'On Giants' speeds through a mass of technicality, from the lightning guitar, succinct drums and powerful vocal reach. 'Distance' is a musical journey. Almost seven minutes in length, it begins upbeat and catchy as the number gradually grows in it aggression. Midway, it cuts to silence before a drawn out, airy reprise fills the remaining time before dropping into the anarchic finale 'Collapse', which sees the EP go out on a bang. What's most impressive is not necessarily the mass of styles the band include, but the sheer precision they bring to everything. It's tight, be it those metal stylings or the moments that teeter on pop punk, and 'Networks' affirms that Lipona are a band not only willing to push themselves, but do it to a very high standard. HM