Sixteen Layers new single

Sixteen Layers

Transition (Single)

Sixteen Layers, together since 2006 have developed their sound and built up quite a following since their formation. They self produced their first album I am no one in 2009, which was a huge success. They spend a lot of their time travelling between Ireland and Canada, where they also have a big fanbase.

The band are currently working on their next album and if their first is anything to go on, it should prove a magical listening experience. I got a sample from the upcoming CD and there are two versions of it.

Transition (Alt Mix)

Opening up with a lead riff, that’s echoed by the second and third guitars, this fast number brings out the grunge side of Sixteen Layer’s personality. However, Niall’s powerful and passionate delivery is as brilliant as ever and the sound is musical, despite the mind blowing distortion throughout.
Closely sung harmonies and the haunting lead riff used again for the chorus, are key features that make this song so irresistible.
It’s impossible to stop yourself belting out the chorus at the top of your lungs with Niall and the lads while playing your air guitar. The use of reverb on the lead vocals creates an echoic effect that’s very distinctive.
For the second verse, the lead guitarist performs sliding notes and some exciting, hair raising stuff that has an alarming impact.
A delicious in sync break is done by all guitars, with the lead hitting some screaming notes, drums thumping away and then Niall is back with the chorus, which is blasted out with gusto.
The slower version of Transition, which is included in the Single, involves the same echoic quality in the vocals, with instruments creating a more haunting sound as opposed to the fast, grunge rock style of the first recording. Both versions are enjoyable, but this is leaning towards anthemic and doesn’t have quite the same bite!
Guitars in it are equally impressive as in the rockier version. Both leave an indelible stamp on your memory.
Superb guitars, an amazing melody line and that fab cross between classic and grunge rock, are ingredients that this band have in abundance and it’s what makes them hard to define. It’s a soupcon of Queens of the Stone Age, a slice of Thin Lizzy, Radiohead on the slower numbers, with Soundgarden and U2 thrown into the cauldron.

Members are Niall Donnelly, John Colbert, Dom Muldoon and Tim McGrath. They have played support to Paddy Casey, headlined in many gig spots around Dublin, won the Dublin leg of Bo dog Battle of the Bands in September ’07, reached number 1 on Phantom FM’s playlist with Setting Fires, had their song Torch released on the Independent’s Day ’08 album and the story just goes on.

They have an ability to keep creating and surprising that is probably why they never fail to excite their audiences. This is also why their popularity with rock lovers keeps growing, having a pied piper effect.
Transition is only a sample of what should prove to be a truly brilliant album.

Angela Macari O’Looney