Hailing from Johannesburg and featuring Justin on guitar, Matt on bass, Nate on drums and Sam on vocals, Fading Gray are a quartet that conjure forth Metal that is both memorable and melodious.
Their latest single ‘Lunatic’ is a gritty Metal gem that makes up for its somewhat clunky execution with a wealth of passion and charm.
On ‘Lunatic’ I find that Fading Gray are forever poised on the precipice of fully realizing their potential yet never do so. This is due to a myriad of reasons. The aforementioned meant with all due respect to the band and their craft.
‘Lunatic’ begins with a tantalizing southern fried melody that abruptly progresses into a riff that is seemingly both NWOBHM and Thrash inspired. This is not necessarily a bad thing yet I personally found the switch too jagged especially for Metal of this sort. This is the type of Metal that thrives on seamless song-craft and streamlined progressions.
Unfortunately for me this is generally the case for the majority of the track. Verses, choruses and thematic changes come across as to rigid which is really a shame for the melodies, vocals and riffs herein are noteworthy and infectious. There is a lack of cohesion to this track which detracts from its overall effectiveness.
‘Lunatic’ is akin to a hybrid of Otep and Alice In Chains with its dark melodies, chugging rhythms and vocals that alternate between singing and screaming. Although undeniably appealing ‘Lunatic’ is hindered by its somewhat angular song mechanics and rough shod production.
Metal such as this thrives on a production that is streamlined, warm and robust. Unfortunately ‘Lunatic’ is housed in a lackluster production that amplifies it’s saw-edged song craft.
I commend Fading Gray for forging ahead with vibrancy and vigor. I am certain that once they iron out the proverbial creases that hinder their admirable craft from being fully realized they will be unstoppable.
-Asher Locketz-
https://web.facebook.com/fadinggrayband
https://open.spotify.com/album/2OL4fE7Flq4OKIKs81D2M1?si=GYz8TvMMStCc4lYyg5tRyw
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