EP Review: Caldera

Caldera is a short and sweet six-track release adding up to a 21 minute total runtime. Nonetheless sets the pace, with a fast guitar riff and some booming drums. Dity’s vocals cut straight through the music, and provide a great vocal hook in the chorus, full of emotion and passion. In general, the guitar and bass become a blur with no differentiation between them apart from a few sections later in the track where some light picking cuts through and adds a great layer. Nonetheless provides a huge punch to the face, with so much energy, and some great drum fills.

Reflections (has previously been reviewed by muzic.net.nz here) provides a greater appreciation of Dity Maharaj’s vocal range. The bass line doesn’t stand out as much as in their live shows which is unfortunate as it compliments the vocals so much. This leads into what is probably my favourite track from the release, Pride. A Slower track, with some beautiful pitch control in the vocals, a well balanced mix of quiet and loud guitar riffs, and audibly exciting drum fills in the breakdown. Love the pacing. Love the rhythm. 

Birth of Symmetry is an interesting choice on a six-track release, being an instrumental track. Reminds me of the intro to Blacklistt’s Reflections. A Tranquil and calming track, it feels like it should lead on to something bigger, rather than just being something of an interlude.

The most unique of the five tracks with vocals, Seed has a Tool-esque riff that powers into a heavy banger with a chorus reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne’s Mama, I’m Coming Home. The release ends on Blind Faith (which has also already been previously reviewed here), their best known track from the release as it was released as a single nearly a full year ago.

2017 has been a year of sub-par rock releases on the international stage. It’s reassuring to be able to listen to releases such as this from Coridian to know that there is still an appetite for passion and energy in the world of Rock. While it certainly doesn’t push any boundaries, the drive and vigour makes Caldera a pleasure to listen to. If only it provided a longer fix.