Cyprus-based alt-rock outfit The Ladderman showcases their explosive, groove-based signature sound on their new album, Figures on Demand.
Talking about Figures on Demand, the band says, “The majority of songs on this LP were written during the pandemic where we had time to self-reflect and lay out our frustration politically with all that was happening during that period in Cyprus, (political corruption/pandemic).”
They go on, “This album has a more atypical song structure with the vocal delivery being quirky in terms of phrasing. Diving into a more atmospheric sound as well as keeping our love for odd meters and bluesy riffs.”
Made up of Andreas Matheou (vocals, guitar), Rolandis Lazidis (guitar, backing vocals), Stelios Mosfiliotis (bass), and Stefanos Eliopoulos (drums), The Ladderman was formed by Matheou and Lazidis. The Ladderman’s sound blends elements of prog-rock, ‘90s rock, and stoner/desert rock.
In 2016, the band released their first album, Not a Six, followed by 2019’s Anything Goes. Figures on Demand is the band’s third album, revealing the evolution of their sound.
Encompassing eight tracks, the album begins with “Stale,” opening on low-slung, edgy tones, exuding tints of dissonance, and then ramps up to heavy guitars and dreamy, potent vocals, vaguely reminiscent of Alice In Chains.
From a subjective viewpoint, entry points include “Moving,” with its shadowy intro dripping with dark, gleaming guitars atop a sleazy, undulating rhythm. Matheou’s low tenor imbues the lyrics with melancholic yearning. A controlled, gritty, and incandescent guitar solo underscores the tune with dazzling sonic textures.
Tinted with bluesy coloration, the intro to “Untethered” rolls out on a lusciously unctuous guitar and then segues into a syncopated rhythm full of rumbling drums and a fat bassline as Matheou’s vocals give the lyrics urgent passion.
“Enochlydian” ebbs and rises from drifting, haunting textures to thick, black guitars surging with growling energy. Drenched in resonance, Matheou’s vocals offer gliding intonations, displaying aching emotions.
Imagine amalgamating the best qualities of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains, and you’ll have an idea of how good Figures on Demand is.
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