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After wowing fans and critics alike with their impressive debut album Sterling Drive in 2004 (Which was produced by D.W. Norton, and spawned the minor hits Not Tonight and Point Of View), the long running Melbourne based hard rock act Tiltmeter are back with their second full length effort No Protest: No Applause, which is also their first release since signing with the ever growing independent label DSTAR Records.
With a gentle build up, Tiltmeter (Who are vocalist/guitarist Andrew McDonald, guitarist Mick Quilliam, bassist Campbell Smith and drummer Adrian Burke) slowly draw out the heavy guitars for the opening track Desperate Attention Span to reveal a slightly rawer sound than what is normally expected of the band’s past work. But while the guitars carry a little more abrasion, McDonald’s vocals and the band’s clever use of atmospherics are still very much present, which will please those who have followed the band’s progression over the last eight years. A similar writing style is evident in the follow up track Plan A, with only the huge riffs taking a little more of the spotlight, while the mid paced title track No Protest. No Applause is one of the album’s real high moments with McDonald’s impassioned vocal performance and the band’s ability to write huge anthem like choruses.
Look Alive may well be the single of choice from the album at this point of time, but there no doubting that the driving Cut Both Wires, The Outlet and the powerful In Plain English are all strong contenders as follow up singles. Around the half way mark, Tiltmeter seem to take a heavier and more musically daring approach, with tracks such Bold Ammunition, Like The Back Of My Hand, The Streets Of Moving Eyes and the epic closing track Dinah Parade fully exploring the many dynamics (Gentle lulls/huge rhythmic passages) within the four-piece groups varied sound.
With No Protest: No Applause, Tiltmeter have certainly risen to the challenge set down with their debut and delivered one of this year’s best national releases. There might be no protest, but there’s sure to be plenty of applause from all with their latest effort.
- Beat Magazine (VIC) 22 Nov 2006
Discography
2006 - No Protest : No Applause (CD/LP)
2004 - Sterling Drive (CD/LP)
2003 - Not Tonight (CD/Single)
2002 - Second Chance Draw (CD/Single)
2001 - Diamonds of The Apple Tree (CD/EP)
1999 - The Boys Card (CD/EP)
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Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Following up from their stellar 20004 debut album release 'Sterling Drive', 28 Oct 2006 saw Tiltmeter release 'No Protest : No Applause', featuring 12 of the bands most emotively challenging tracks to date. No Protest : No Applause, displays the band for what they are a quality, diverse melodic rock band, in the vein of Placebo, Silverchair and Muse.
Mixed at Sing Sing Studios, Melbourne by top Australian producer Richard Stolz (After The Fall, Bodyjar) No Protest : No Applause sound is raw and emotive, vibrant and sad. Andrew McDonalds vocals pull on the heart strings of the listener, the sincerity in his performance evokes a hypnotic like aura not easily forgotten. Covering topics both diverse in nature, and challenging in social context, the listener would be forgiven for comparing McDonalds sincerity and conviction to that of Silverchairs Daniel Johns or Placebos Brian Molko.
Renowned for their energetic, fast paced live performances Tiltmeter have consistently pleased both overage and underage audiences along Australias East Coast for over eight years. With an unchanged line-up based on friendship and respect, Tiltmeter are that band that the industry respects, and their audiences hold high in their minds.
After forming in high school, Tiltmeters enviable eight year tenure has seen them independently release a debut album, 2 EPs & 2 singles. Having recently signed to respected indie label DSTAR Records for album number two, Tiltmeter finally have the backing to achieve the widespread exposure they so deserve.
Tiltmeter saw out 2006 with a successful east coast tour with label mates Burn The City on the Assault Your Senses Tour presented by BLUNT Magazine and Metric Clothing. A clothing sponsorship with Metric Clothing eventuated from the tour. The band are currently touring the east coast of Australia once again playing the Metric Clothing/DSTAR Records 'Raised By Wolves' industry parties.
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