HOMESICK MACHINERY

"Homesick Machinery" is an EP release by Danish, Copenhagen based rock/metal act Vola. The EP was independently released in November 2008. Vola formed in the mid-2000s by a group of friends attending the same music school. They recorded some demos in 2006, before writing and recording the four tracks which ended up on "Homesick Machinery".

Considering the fact that this is an independently recorded and released EP, Vola have produced a pretty well sounding EP. The sound production is clear, detailed, and powerful (although the heavy parts could have benefitted from even more power and punch). Stylistically Vola are a pretty eclectic act and they play everything from mellow electronic tinged rock, to 70s influenced hard rocking sections, to chugging heavy riffs and rhythms. Keyboards are omnipresent as are the melancholic vocals and strong expressive voice of lead vocalist/guitarist Asger Mygind. Another dominant and important part of Vola´s sound are the many beautiful choirs and harmony vocals.

"Like The Rainbow" opens the EP and it´s a nicely melodic and catchy song, which isn´t very heavy until the last minute of the song, and that´s how the other tracks are too. A good combination of mellow melancholic sections and heavier sections, which provide the music with some light/dark dynamics. A slightly more uplifting and more easily accessible Katatonia isn´t the worst description of Vola´s music, although Vola aren´t clones (artists like Porcupine Tree and Riverside could also be mentioned). If you´re familar with 2000s and 2010s Danish rock acts like Turboweekend, Spleen United, and Mew, some of the elements of Vola´s music could also be influenced by artists (and fellow countrymen) like them, although Vola are of course a much heavier act.

Upon conclusion "Homesick Machinery" is a good quality first release from Vola. Even this early on they show great potential and of course both playing skills and understanding of the dynamics of composing an effective and catchy rock/metal tune. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).