Castero (ROI) | ‘Infiltration Remediation’

I hate panning bands, but unfortunately I’d be lying through my teeth if I said this release did anything but test my patience. In common with so many bands that have yet to really apply themselves, there’s nothing essentially wrong with what they do - it’s just that its lifeless.

Opener ‘Secret Affection’ is probably the best of the bunch, with the kind of riff you might have heard on ‘Load’ or something like that, by which is meant simple, relatively effective, but dull. Nonetheless, it’s hummable and at least retains a bit of vigour.

The same cant be said for the remaining three tracks. ‘Time Of Dying’ is phoned in, with a main hook that sounds like something Stiltskin might have come up with on an off day. Its bridge riff is especially poor. Never have I heard a straight ascent up and back down a few frets sound like such painstaking difficulty, but there you have it.

‘Sands Of Time’ is an absolute snooze, with lyrics as developed as a something on a 15 year old’s homework book (’I feel the sands of time’), while ‘Take My Life Away’ plods along with such pointlessness that it’s almost easy to overlook the use of the phrase ‘Take My Life I’ll Take Yours Too’ - meaning they’ve incredulously managed to work two of metal’s most famous edicts into their own songs. On a demo that’s going nowhere. Classy.

Sorry, but there’s no energy on here anywhere, and if Castero want to get anywhere, even within the almost forgiving remit of plain old rock, they’re going to have to wake up and realise there’s more to music than just a few chunky riffs and other people’s lyrics. Never mind the cover, which oddly enough looks like someone elses as well - in this case Glyder.

Earl Grey ::: 05/01/09