Four Stroke Baron – Data Diamond
Reviewed By: Denis Bridger
Review Score: 8.5
Four stroke Baron are definitely not shy. Coming out of California and, again, along with many other artists, they are showing the world that boundaries are there to be crossed and smashed down.
Data Diamond is the fourth full-time outing for Four Stroke Baron, following in the footsteps of Classics, which, according to the band, the only criticism they had was that they didn’t push the boundaries far enough. That can’t be said for this new release, as it is a cataclysm of dark, morbid tales and stories that vary from a disgraced CEO of Radio Shack, an accidental trafficking of body parts, and aconvenience store death cult. All good stuff.
Since Classics, Four Stroke Baron have incorporated more synths into their sound and, as we already know, some really heavy, sinister metal vibes can be created with electronics, along with the traditional heavy guitar riffs. Add to that some first-class bass and drums, and you get a mix of real and digital. What you will find here is a perfect mess, controlled chaos, and melodies that are in a minor key that maybe don’t sit well at first but just think about how hard it is to make catchy melodies without a major note in sight. It’s all very weird and wonderful and is a very indulgent album that probably can’t be put into a box.
Data Diamond is stemmed from two EPs. One being purely electronic – ‘Data’ and the other being heavy – ‘Diamond’. What you end up with is a conglomerate of two ends of a very large spectrum. If you read my reviews then you know, I don’t like so much generic music, we gotta push those boundaries and evolve in music and Four Stroke Baron are doing exactly that.
The album kicks in with some booming sub-bass and some freaky vocals for the opening track ‘On Mute’… slowly building to something unexpected. Lots of electronics here, lots of sub bass, incoming drums, and some haunting guitars with some strings and then….
We’re straight in to track two ‘Monday’ which has some really strange vocals. I’m not sure what key this track is in but it is really minor and it’s all a bit scary. The guitars are very heavy and the whole feeling is like Nine Inch Nails on DMT. A strange atmosphere has been created and there is even, what sounds like, Mongolian throat singing. An eclectic track, indeed. Heavy, scary, electronic but still having a very metal feel.
Next is ‘The Witch’ with more of a more traditional metal sound, maybe. A little more major key but still holding onto the minor thing. Not sure what is going on here but these guys have created something very different. There are a lot of effects going on, especially on the vocals, and obviously there is a lot of electronics (with some sounds which seem to hail back to the 80s, with maybe people like Depeche Mode or Gary Numan). Lots to think about on this album, me thinks.
‘Cyborg Pt. 3 (Because I’m God)… a track about the cyborgs taking over and becom Gods? Dunno, but this track is pretty catchy and, so far, a stand out track. I don’t like to make comparisons, but maybe a little 21 Pilots but a lot heavier in places. Some good chugging riffs, real and electronic drums. Four Stroke Baron definitely have a big sound. The vocals are freaking me out a bit. How does he get that sound? Hmm.
‘VALLT’ is a minute and a half of something you might have heard from Aphex Twin. If you know Aphex Twin, then all is known.
‘Open The World’ more scary electronics verging on the industrial side of metal. A very abstract track, lots of weird shit going on. Something again that reminds me of that 80s synth thing but… then… wait…. some four to the floor dance music with classic house vocals… and right back to the weirdness. Obviously lots of influences going on with this band. Feels disjointed but connected. If most people listened to this, they would say “What the Fuck is that?”… and that’s what is interesting.
‘People In My Image’ sounds like a God thing or cloning maybe. hehe. Slow death metal vibe on this track. The vocals are the thing that stand out for me, not really sure, but they do fit. Pretty complicated music. Nothing simple about it. Just weird, heavy, and a bit terrifying but with some really light sounds ducking and diving between the industrialized heaviness.
‘1000 Threads’ is more chaos with sounds. Everything is so big and wide, with many different layers of craziness. Almost too much to describe. So, just listen for yourself but make sure you have some good equipment for listening to get the full effect.
Finishing with ‘Data Diamond’ (featuring Paul Masvidal and Adam Janzi) it has some nice piano that starts things off. The track is kinda slow and the vocals seem to take over a bit as they are so big. The song has a catchy chorus and some nice guitar, but the guitar is not so prevalent. The snare has a great sound on this track, and there are some strange keyboards and that eerie piano mentioned earlier. The whole album is eclectic and chaotic. I think it is a grower rather than an instant hit, but that is just an opinion and as they say “opinions are like arseholes… we’ve all got one.” So, check out Four Stroke Baron and make up your own mind.
In conclusion, Data Diamond is a chaotic cornucopia of captivating sounds that will rattle your brain. It definitely is not for the feint-hearted. It is not an easy listen but I think with more listens and more familiarity, it will shine. I think live they will be excellent and maybe put a different perspective on the music. Check them out, and support up and coming artists and enjoy the madness of Four Stroke Baron.
Data Diamond is out now via Prosthetic Records.