Album review: X CONTRACT – Territory:Hours

X CONTRACT - Territory:Hours

Phillipa Records [Release date 19.08.13]

Given the Brits love affair with all things Danish after the great success of ‘The Killing’ TV crime series, X Contract should clean up. We really liked their debut in 2012 – ‘Dearest Dream’ – and the latest offering confirms their melodic and at times mournful attractions. The band combine dark anthemic choruses with an alt-rock metal vibe fused with prog. It’s like a poppier version of Katatonia.

The band’s modus operandi is perhaps best illustrated on ‘In The Mist’, the plaintive piano motifs and electro effects enhancing the overall mix before a rousing playout. This is repeated on tracks like ‘Walk’, ‘All These Lights’ and ‘Too Far’.

On their own, Dennis Pedersen’s fragile vocals might be construed as a little insipid but add in Lars Klit’s angular guitar figures and there is a welcome juxtaposition of the angelic, and the downright meaty.

Overall, perhaps not quite as strong as their impressive debut but impressive nevertheless and a further step on the way to wider recognition, and beyond that initial Danish novelty value. ****

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)