An electronic-based alternative pop-rock hybrid.
An Alternative Rock band from London led by vocalist Tobias Keast, esOterica have been active since 1996, released two studio albums, ‘The Fool’ in 2005 and ‘The Riddle’ in 2009, and toured with the likes of Marilyn Manson and HIM, as well as two appearances at the Download Festival. 2012 saw the band decide to change their name to ESO, and ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ is the first release with the new moniker.
The cover makes it look like a dance music album, and to be honest there is a slight leaning towards that particular genre – but don’t run away screaming, as it’s more of an electronic-based alternative pop-rock hybrid with an abundance of theatre and the odd remix element. Though the rhythms are pop-orientated they’re underpinned by edgy guitars, and a richly atmospheric feel with elements of Goth-Rock. Think of a blend of Depeche Mode, Muse, Linkin Park and a more melodic Marilyn Manson and you’re getting there – I also get hints towards Swedish Goth-Rockers Plan Three.
From the lighter pop-rock yet atmospheric material like ‘Birds In A Hurricane’ and ‘When You Leave’, the punchier ‘The Divide’, ‘You’ll Never Know’ and ‘Running Blind’ through the gentler pieces ‘It Rains’ and ‘Remember Me’, to heavier guitar-orientated tracks like ‘A New Beginning’ and first single ‘We Are Watching You’ (which features DevilDriver guitarist Mike Spreitzer), there’s an affluence of moods and textures throughout the twelve songs that make up this album, with only the slightly oddball ‘Brand New Suit’ failing to hit the mark. Strangely enough due to the electronic elements there is no keyboard player within the band, and while the album is excellently produced by Matt Hyde (Fightstar, Newton Faulkner), it has left the guitars of Laura Conway and Carl Johnston rather sterile and flat in the mix at times. And I have to mention the excellently-named bassist Cloud Cerberus!
Initially I thought that due to the slightly experimental nature of the music it was hard to see exactly where ESO’s true audience lies – but their music has been featured on Radio 1, Kerrang and Planet Rock, so in fact the audience could be much further-reaching than I originally thought.
Ant Heeks
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