Review / 200 Words Or Less
Damiera
M(us)ic

Equal Vision (2007) Tohm

Damiera – M(us)ic cover artwork
Damiera – M(us)ic — Equal Vision, 2007

M(us)ic equals "us in music." Playful guitar lines and broken time signatures characterize Buffalo, New York's Damiera. Imagine a mélange of The Fall of Troy and Circa Survive. This comparison (to bands also on Equal Vision Records) was the first thing I thought of when listening to Damiera. Each track is respectively catchy and melodically technical, proving the musicians know how to play and write well. The vocals can be overbearing at times, but definitely fit the band's musical style. As a random note, the guitar work on the seventh track, "Departure," sounds a lot like the now deceased Ghosts and Vodka (which is damn cool, I might add). M(us)ic presents many different song structures, but the riffs become too familiar after the first couple of tracks. Chances are, if you like more than two bands on Equal Vision Records, you'll be pleased by this release.

5.5 / 10Tohm • October 11, 2007

Damiera – M(us)ic cover artwork
Damiera – M(us)ic — Equal Vision, 2007

Related news

Equal Vision Signs Damiera

Posted in Labels on August 22, 2006

Recently-posted album reviews

The S.E.T.

Self Evident Truth
Flatspot Records (2026)

Hardcore doesn’t need reinventing; just needs conviction. On Self Evident Truth, Baltimore’s The S.E.T. come out swinging with a debut EP that’s built on exactly that. It’s got groove, urgency, and a clear sense of purpose. Clocking in at around fifteen minutes, the EP wastes no time establishing its identity. From the opening moments of “This Chain,” it’s all forward … Read more

Dashed

Self Titled
Independent (2026)

When a band describes themselves as surf punk, it usually conjures a certain image. Reverb drenched guitars, sunburnt melodies, maybe even a sense of looseness that leans more carefree than chaotic. Dashed doesn’t really fit that mold. On their self-titled LP, they take those familiar elements and run them through something colder, sharper, and far less predictable. Across eleven tracks, … Read more

The Sleeveens

National Anthem
Goner (2026)

National Anthem is the second album from The Sleeveens, a Nashville, TN band fronted by an Irishman. The band play that perfect mix of protopunk and classic rock 'n' roll that's built on a verse/chorus/verse structure and melody without any frills. It's leather jacket music for the common folk. The debut grabbed me by my collar and spun me around … Read more