For every band, the loss of a vocalist is a huge problem, and sometimes it can even lead to disbandment. But if things turn out okay, the band may survive these tough times and start a new chapter in its career. SALTY DOG was lucky enough to be one of them. They were inactive for more than a year, but managed to find a new ‘voice’ in the mysterious SERA. She prefers to be silent or to talk through the other band members outside of live shows. With this enigmatic person, SALTY DOG recorded the mini-album ELiXiR in February, which offers new versions of their old songs. Nine months later, on November 6th, they released ANiMA, their first original work in three years.
And what a fine work it is. Over the course of the release's five songs, the band easily keeps listeners’ attention with the diversity of the tracks. However, the first impressions may be mixed, because EMBER LAST, the opening track of ANiMA, starts relatively slow and sounds like ordinary alternative rock with symphonic elements. Give it some time though, and it becomes more interesting, especially when the heavier sound suddenly makes the atmosphere a lot more aggressive. As a matter of fact, this is true for the whole release — with each new track, SALTY DOG show themselves more and more, offering crazy dynamics and non-stop fun.
The first chorus of the speedy Brave New World begs for headbanging. It will fire you up until the very end, only to switch places with the adrenaline-infused DANCE & SHOUT!. The title was a wise choice, as the track forces listeners not only to dance to its catchy melody, but also to help the bassist with the screams. Moreover, this is a truly wonderful track for live shows. One cannot help but be curious about one of the instrumental parts, which sounds almost the same as the main theme of “Mission: Impossible 2”. Is it some kind of coincidence, or maybe a reference to Limp Bizkit?
However, the most interesting parts of ANiMA are the last two pieces. The Dark Side of the Moon is a heavy epic canvas, where the dark colours of the aggressive and powerful sound are mixed with the bright tones of
SERA’s
beautiful and emotional vocals. Not to mention awesome, yet always unexpected switches back and forth between the loud music and vibrating ambience. As for the finale, SALTY DOG chose the heart-piercing EMILIA. This charming sad song leaves SERA facing off against a soft piano sound, allowing listeners to fully enjoy her sensual vocals. Other instruments join later, intensifying the track’s impact and leading nicely to its conclusion. Don't believe us? Listen to this beauty for yourself.
ANiMA has become the powerful opening to a new chapter in SALTY DOG's career. It not only seamlessly introduced their new vocalist, whose vocal powers are fully showcased on the mini-album, but also proved these musicians haven't lost their touch for composing catchy, heavy and adrenaline-infused music.
