Tallman

Tallman has been quietly climbing the ranks in the Toronto music scene and with each step the band makes more people take notice. For the newest release, Mechanism, the band caught the attention of producer Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Deftones) and engineer Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Corrosion of Conformity). Recording with the pair at the board, and mastering by Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins), has given Tallman a very polished record. From a four-song sampler of the record, it is obvious that this band has been working hard to hone their craft since the band’s inception in 1999. Original tracks like "Iodine” have infectious guitar lines and introspective, if not overly sophisticated, lyrics, but why must they attempt to cover Nine Inch Nail’s "Reptile”? The only thing appealing about this cover is the drum changes by Rick Welbanks, the one worth more mention than the remainder of the group. Also, vocalist Jay Toner can sing but doesn’t seem to create his own persona with his instrument. Still, overall it’s not a wasted listen.