Weir - The Risk

Sun 14th Aug, 2005 in Music Reviews

Sydneysiders Weir have created a good balance between darkness and light on their The Risk EP. The moments of darkness, however, are outshone by the almost ethereal quality of Jess Beston’s voice. The end result is an impacting release that is simultaneously heartbreaking and beautiful.

The Desert Song’s somewhat ominous musical intro leads into Beston’s impressive, yet sombre vocals – her unique, angelic voice befits the song perfectly.

Tuesday begins as another slower song, the spotlight on Beston’s vocals. However, partway through the track the guitars kick in, providing a solid and impacting change of pace. From there on in the interchange between the two styles continues.

My Sanity’s powerful opening sequence of prominent drumming and reverberating guitar sets up the song to be a lot rockier than the other tracks on this release, illustrating that Weir are more than capable of executing heavier tunes.

Final track Goodbye, is a languid, haunting song. The gentle, heartbreaking vocals inspire the need to gaze out the nearest window and ponder one’s life (and it will be raining, of course!!).

This contemplative, sobering release is a great snapshot of the band’s talents and hopefully indicative of what we can expect from a full-length release.