EP review: DEAD AGENTS
Facebook [Release date 27.04.18]
Hailing from the West Midlands (a big plus point in this reviewer’s unbiased opinion!), Dead Agents describe themselves as the “lost boys” of alternative rock. Dead Agents are Geoff Fry (drums), Adam Furmage (bass, vocals), David James Foster (vocal, rhythm guitar) and Adam Beddow (lead guitar, vocals). The EP was mixed and produced by Adam Beddow, who has worked with the Bad Flowers and Diamond Head and it shows as the sound and overall feel is one of quality.
‘Haters’ and ‘Drowning’ both have plenty of in your face vocals and furious guitar riffs, whilst ‘Be My God’ mixes a little electronica with a pounding beat and vocals that demand your attention. ‘Don’t Talk To Me’ is a little different with its strings intro, less in your guitars – not unlike You Me At Six.
If and when the band do a full album be interesting to see which direction they take, the more in your face songs of ‘Haters’ or the possibly more mainstream route taken by ‘Don’t Talk To Me’. Either way, Dead Agents are definitely a name to keep an eye and ear out for. They show plenty of energy and ideas on this impressive five song EP. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
David James Foster answered a few questions about the recording of this EP, upcoming live dates including supporting Diamond Head and more…
How did the Dead Agents form and how would you describe the band’s music to someone new to you?
We got together back in June2017, so we are still fairly fresh, we work so fast together I’ve never around a group off people quite like it. Me and Guitarist Adam (Beddow) have been in previous bands and we just put the call out through mutual musician friends for a bass player and drummer using most of the debut EP material demos as a guide of what to expect. Id say were very high energy rock n roll, something to get involved with, something to sing along and jump around too.
Could you take us through the writing process, stories behind the songs etc. on your self-titled EP?
Usually songs will start with a riff, usually from our guitarist Ad but with the latest stuff Furm (Adam Furmage) our bass Player has been knocking them out the park. We usually then get in a room and thrash out a full song structure were all happy with before its down to me to sit down and produce a melody and some lyrics. Lyrically it runs along a few recurring themes, all of which are personal experience, stories of love, loss, lust and even motivation for going after what you want out of this life.
What have been the live highlights so far and who would the band like to tour with if given the chance?
Considering we have only been together a year we have achieved a fair bit already. BBC introducing have been behind us a fair bit as well as other local radio stations but we have an upcoming show with rocker legends Diamond Head on the 6th October at the Robin 2 in Bilston. We really cannot wait for that. We would obviously love to tour with our heroes, bands that we’ve grown up listening to and inspiring us to this point. Foo Fighters would obviously be amazing and huge in every way, Royal Blood would also be incredible.
What other newer bands out there have impressed you and why?
I’m really into Royal Blood as I mentioned before, they’re not brand new but still love what they’re doing such great melodies and hard rocking riffs. Love it.
Will a full album be next or are EP’s a better way for the band to get new music out there? Do streaming sites help a newer band like you get known or is something visual like YouTube better at raising awareness of your music?
We are quite literally in the studio now already putting together our next EP. I think from there were going to focus on an album. Especially with the speed at which were writing them at. Yeah streaming seems to be the way its going, its very hard to know what is the right answer in this new age of digital downloads, I personally love vinyl and other physical forms of music that come with tangible artwork but I do understand its just not practical these days. I think Youtube is the closest you can get to the old ways whereby at least you can represent yourself visually as well as with just the music, taking the audience on a bit of a journey.
Message for your fans…
We shall return very soon with more new tracks so please keep your ears and eyes peeled and we can’t wait to see you all at our upcoming shows.
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