PORSELAIN - 'Demo 2004'

Porselain
demo 2004
www.porselain.com

1. Cookie
2. Promise
3. Derail

After a few years of changing lineups, changing band names, and general hard rock experimentation, Porselain (formerly Salem's Cradle) has returned with their best musical approach since the regionally influential ‘Thrown’ debut. This demo is in anticipation of an upcoming release (date and album title unknown at this time). They are reaching higher than ever before, and their extensive tour schedule with Veruca Salt implies they may very well achieve something truly substantial.

As a fan of the original three-piece that released the fresh and simple (though redundant) heavy rock album ‘Thrown’, I am glad to see singer/guitarist Jorge Kate’s initially wayward attempts to mix it up have finally settled into a balanced approach that combines the steady footing and punch of early Porselain with beautifully executed/produced vocals and more talented playing. ‘Cookie’ features winding lead parts almost reminiscent of Ozric Tentacles. If we had more time, as in the case of a full-length record, it would be nice to hear more of these creative lead guitar parts. While the talented Danny Mabie has more thoroughly showcased his abilities on previous albums, his drum parts on this disc fit perfectly with the rest of the four-piece. These three songs are all bundled in a heavy metal meets pop/classic rock format (ala Godsmack), cautious of overstepping the unwritten rules of radio-friendliness. Considering the intended audience and functional role of a demo record, this may be very appropriate. Fans of the band should look forward to the full-length album (or perhaps live shows), where Porselain can expand upon the ideas offered in these freebies.

‘Promise’ is the lightest of the three offerings, featuring mirror-like guitar and whispered verses that somehow retain a metallic edge. Porselain has had songs like these since the beginning, but has never sounded so professional. The lyrics have improved, as has the vocal delivery. “Derail” closes the demo strongly, moving from a crawling intro/verse rhythm into an explosive chorus with notably well-integrated (almost guitar-like) vocals. The “Me, Myself, & Irene” line is one we could do without, as Jim Carey is not a suitable protagonist for this song’s purposes. The stretching of the word “society” to fit 5 different notes on 5 or more syllables is something the average listener may or may not wish to follow, so some care should probably be taken in avoiding these types of situations next time. However, the great sound and tight playing make up for the few lyrical misfits.

Porselain’s music has come to draw upon Christian themes as applied to society, allowing the band a grounded inspirational center. With big sounds and big themes, some care may be taken to avoid the deadly “Scott Stapp-isms” that have been shown to ruin “Christian”-type rockers of grand thoughts and proportions. It is good that Porselain implies grand things with the music, but bear in mind it is a thin line to walk between admirable rock star and clichéd “SpinalTap”-styled excess. I am inclined to believe the previous years of hard rock experimentation and overall experience have inoculated Porselain against many such dangers. I look forward to hearing what is yet to come.