The Speed of Pain
Artist: Subterra
Label: indie
Length: 11 tracks / 61:15 minutes
This project must have kept Howie Doyle busy. Contributing all the
vocals, most of the instrumentation, and even the sleeve layout, Doyle
is joined here by another multi-instrumentalist (Mark Mundy) and a few
guests for Subterra's debut full-length album.
Musically, Doyle's writing is very reminiscent of Neil Young, including
the raw and rootsy production, the instrumentation, and the general atmosphere.
He also cites Bob Dylan as an influence, one which isn't as strong as Young's
but can be detected at times in the vocal delivery and general approach.
Despite the very obvious influences, Doyle projects his own emotion into
his work and doesn't merely copy those artists.
The lyrics often exude cynicism about culture, religion, and science.
Some Christians will feel uncomfortable with the use of a couple of words,
but there's a clear moral overtone and a definite faith lurking behind
the lyrics. Similarities could be drawn here with Sixteen Horsepower, due
to dark imagery being a common theme through the album--especially lament
over the many dangers inherent in the psychology of the late '90s.
The bloodswept sky is pouring rain
Into the eye of the hurricane
Shadowman shakes his head again
We win, we all win. In denial
Generally expressive and fairly well developed, the phrasing could use
some tightening. They could also do with a slightly stronger level of support
from the music, which sometimes takes the stripped back production a little
too far. When it all works together, however, this is an interesting project
which fans of dark imagery and a slightly country-roots approach would
do well to investigate.
Two standouts are a cover of Willie Nelson's "I Never Cared For,"
recorded here with a vibe that supports an instant hook, and the acoustic
"The People Believe" which showcases some fine guitar work. These two tracks
are examples of a very promising recording. Subterra are already beginning
to extend their distribution as more people hear about them; fuller production
and more development either of atmosphere or of hooks should set
them up for a bright future.
James Stewart (6/24/99)
