8MM has been around for a while now and their sound is maturing with every release from their first EP 2004's Opener to the new album Between The Devil and Two Black Hearts they just keep getting better. Lead by multi-instrumentalist / producer Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt) the band was able to raise $40K via Kickstarter to fund this release and help cover some of the touring expenses.
From the opening track “The Devil and Two Black Hearts” it’s easy to see why this band has so many faithful followers in the Laurel Canyon area of L.A. where they live, they simply kick ass from the get go. Starting with a slow shuffling lead that’s packed with massive guitar riffs and a heavy kick driven beat, the vocals bring in an almost southern rock flavor, put simply a well-crafted rocker. The second song “Kin” also comes in a strong rocker, heavy beats and a killer layer of slide guitar complimenting the strong vocals ably provided by Juliette Beavan.
There is a noticeable shift in style for songs like “Around The Sun” and “You Bought The Fire” which are more synthesizer driven songs that display some of the versatility of the band and their ability to slip back and forth between the Rock and Trip Hop genres effortlessly. The vocals are the center of these particular songs and deservedly so with the harmonies blending with synths and guitars.
“The Weight of You” brings back the rock and roll sound as it starts off as a slow picking Americana song but quickly is kicked into a highly charged rock and roll tune with more slide guitar dueling with the synthesizers for supremacy. “The One” is another full blown rocker, with Juliette’s vocal s growling and purring throughout it is one of the better ones on the album.
“Everybody Says” is a toned down almost acoustic tune again showcasing the vocals with some bittersweet harmonies. The album closes with the full blown trip hop gem “Glimmering” the song, filled with lush synths, vocals, slow steady drum beats saunters along, only clocking in at 03:28 this could have easily been digested at twice that time. Overall a great album containing two styles of rock that the band pulls off readily.
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