CORKSKREW - NO ORDINARY MAYBE
December 2004
Two years on
from their remarkable debut, Micromania, which received commendable
reviews both locally and abroad, Corkskrew are back with a new album.
And never has the word ‘new’ had more weight than in this particular
case, as No Ordinary Maybe moves at a tangent from the pop sheen that
informed much of Micromania. Openly flaunting a rougher edge throughout
its 12 songs, No Ordinary Maybe brings out a new side of the band, one
that was probably also there on Micromania, but had remained submerged
beneath that record’s multiple layers of smooth production.
This time around, however, Corkskrew have taken a different approach.
The distinct lack of keyboards on this record (partly out of necessity
and partly by design) has allowed more space for each individual to
develop his/her role in the band’s new sound. As a result, you’ll find
that the combination of more elaborate basslines, raunchier guitar,
spirited drumming and Diane’s less refined but more passionate vocals
has brought out Corkskrew’s harder edge, dark in places but definitely
more rock than pop!
Songs like Blind Spot, I Do and the title track are all fine examples of
this new direction, with a strong alternative (for want of a better
term) essence deep at their core. Further to this, I can picture Blind
Spot and I Do’s soaring choruses garnering strong reactions from both
local and foreign audiences. The album is in fact strong on such
appealing melodies, even if these are crafted in a different climate to
the ones on Micromania. And yet, while they are less ‘in your face’ they
are there nevertheless – firmly maintaining Corkskrew’s natural identity
deep inside the band’s resplendent new sound!
Recommended weblink:
www.corkskrew.net
