Cfit Triage review

Cfit

Triage

Angela Macari O’Looney

Melodic and thoroughly enjoyable, this album involves intricate and exciting arrangements. Vocals are soothing and electronic instrumentals, mixed with acoustic are the perfect backdrop. Noel Duplaa, Grainne Dunne, Shane DeLier, Grainne McFeely, John Singleton and Phil Staunton are CFit. Additional vocals on this album are performed by David Cantan and Jennifer Roche.

You get a good variety throughout the entire CD, with some fantastic experimental numbers involved. Influences include such bands as Arcade Fire, Radiohead, The Frames. Lead vocals are extremely reminiscent of Neil Hannon’s moody depth in my opinion, or Thom York’s laid back appeal. The lighter female vocal alongside Noel’s style, creates a lovely contrast.

The opening song Great Pressure has a catchy chorus starting with the use of synthesized Vocals creating great volume, building up to a sudden explosion of sound. Dynamics continue to change throughout, going from softer acoustic verse, to explosive chorus. I like the way the band keep you guessing here!

Don’t Sweat the small shit is sung by Noel and Jennifer. I love the riff on Glockenspiel combined with sweet three part harmony that runs throughout this number. The melody is relaxing and reflects the sentiment in the lyrics. The entire piece is uplifting.

The Static is a lively, loud number opening up with busy bass guitar and weird verses that lend a Bowie atmosphere at times. The refrain in the background of the chorus is haunting and there’s a lot going on throughout the song. Lyrics were written by Noel Duplaa and David Cantan. Harmonics are incredible.

Surprisingly, a banjo intro takes us into Sideways. I get the feeling it’s meant to inspire a scene of someone a little intoxicated. At least that’s what the slinky pace and weary violin make me think of. Although there is quite an unexpected build up in dynamic, just before the close of the piece. I love this wonderful Pandora’s Box of surprises that are constant on this CD.

Base Isolation –There’s a soothing plucked acoustic guitar intro here and a relaxed beat, eventually developing into a more powerful chorus. A beautiful female refrain are you asking me for shelter, lends contrast to the lead male vocal. Noel’s delivery of the dramatic song, composed by himself and David Cantan, is really effective it breaks my heart, it breaks my heart.

Chemical memory is extremely short and is an instrumental done on synth. It’s very appealing and has a choppy, cheerful beat.

Dig up - This track, by Noel Duplaa and Gary Donald has a lot going on in it. It starts off slow and soulful, with backing vocals singing a catchy refrain. A change of pace occurs. Instrumentals are wonderful, with a brilliant bass line coming in later in the song, when it reaches crescendo.

Throw the babies to the Wolves a ballad, involves acoustic piano for the introductory verse. Cello joins in, when things build up. Guitar, Synth and drums also join, to create a distinctive reminder that there’s a kick to this song!

Beginning with beautiful Cello, Plausible Deniability is probably my favorite number. Involving trickling notation throughout and a memorable chorus, it builds up and backing vocals lend volume. Bass is wonderful. The huge plethora of instruments leaves you dizzy with wonder. Eventually you get an enormous explosion of sound, turning back to quiet sleepiness for the last few bars. Magical!

Don’t Sweat the smaller shit begins with acoustic piano as opposed to the earlier version, which began with electric. A trickling keyboard riff joins in. A wonderfully appealing melody is played on synth. Orchestral sounds follow this, and as in most of their songs, Cfit develop things upwards, to bring it all back down for the verse, where you go back to just vocals with piano.

Triage is hopefully the first of many. The band, which began as a trio, has gradually increased in number. They are currently working on their next album, which should prove easily as impressive as Triage.