Playing Dead by Aphemia
Aphemia is an industrial/electronic, progressive rock band, combining influences such as Nine Inch Nails, Celldweller, Disturbed and Muse all wrapped up in a sonic-assault production style akin to Devin Townsend at his finest.
Based in Derby UK, Aphemia has built a strong reputation for delivering powerful live performances. Heavy guitar grooves and synth leads punch their way through the soundstage created by dark ethereal pads and rhythmic patterns that infuse with pounding drum beats to relentlessly drive the music forwards. Aggressive, rhythmic vocal lines punctuate the verses and morph effortlessly into memorably melodic choruses that stay long in the mind.
‘Aphemia’ is a disorder (also known as ‘aphasia’) where people suffer an impairment in language ability, often as the result of some kind of trauma. The affliction makes it difficult for individuals to communicate clearly in spoken form, but they will often find it easier to sing rather than speak. Thus, the meaning of the band name, Aphemia, translates into the meaning behind much of the band’s music. Lyrically, the songs are about vocalising the difficulties and hypocrisies of life; sentiments that will reach out to anyone who listens. Conveying both anger and sometimes acceptance, there's a point to each song that transcends trends, fad-politics or short-sighted views.
Soundscape Magazine - Playing Dead EP review:
"Aphemia are a band that are very good at breaking the mould when it comes to genres, with their electronic-infused rock making them stand out in a good way, and their latest EP Playing Dead doesn’t disappoint.
The first track is the title track and it’s just over 4 and a half minutes of pure awesomeness. Beginning with a catchy riff that you’ll swiftly find yourself nodding your head along to and when the full band kicks in, it brings the song to a whole new level. It’s an intense and gripping song that you’ll keep wanting to revisit again and again, with lots of intricate little details interwoven into the song. It shows you exactly what this band are capable of and is a fantastic way of grabbing your attention.
Following this is Fall From Grace, which is a funky little number that soon worms its way into your head. Although not quite as strong as the previous offering, it really holds its own and there’s a great instrumental section in the middle that almost divides the song into two parts and it’s almost like a calm moment for you to catch your breath before the energy builds up and hits you again like a ten tonne truck.
Playing Dead is fantastic stuff as always from this talented five-piece and costs just £2 from their bandcamp so you really can’t go wrong and it even comes with a bonus remix of Fall From Grace for good measure! Quite simply, Aphemia are a band to watch out for!
9/10"
Tracklist
| 1. | Playing Dead | 4:35 |
| 2. | Fall From Grace | 5:46 |
| 3. | Fall From Grace - SubTric Remix | 5:09 |
Credits
Playing Dead written and recorded by Aphemia
Fall From Grace written and recorded by Aphemia
Fall From Grace - SubTric remix by SubTric
License
All rights reserved.
Aphemia is an industrial progressive rock band, combining influences such as Nine Inch Nails and Celldweller all wrapped up in a sonic-assault production onslaught of Devin Townsend.
Heavy guitar grooves and synth leads punch their way through the soundstage created by dark ethereal pads and rhythmic patterns. Lyrically, the songs are about vocalising the difficulties and hypocrisies of life.