Damiera: Quiet Mouth Loud Hands

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
July 22, 2008

Artist: Damiera
Album: Quiet Mouth Loud Hands
Label: Equal Vision
Rating:

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After releasing their self produced and much praised debut M(US)IC on Equal Vision Records, Damiera was plagued with trying to stay afloat as a band.  After an extensive tour to support their debut, Damiera announced in April of 2007 that they were on haitus.  A phrase that spells out the impending doom of a band.

However, vocalist David Raymond couldn’t let the project die, and in June of 2007 it was announced that the band had re-formed around David.  Making up the new Damiera was guitarist Steve Downs, drummer Josh Sparks, and bassist Jayson Dezuzio (who had produced M(US)IC and worked with bands such as Coheed and Cambria and My Chemical Romance.  It was later announced that they would jump back into the studio to start work on the much anticipated follow up album, Quiet Mouth Loud Hands.

While there are some similarities to M(US)IC , Quiet Mouth Loud Hands is a different animal than the debut.  Of course this is expected due to a flood of new creativity that co-incides with an new line up like this.  The album mildly suffers with an identity crisis.  Think Experimental Rock meets Paula Abdul or Maroon 5.  I had a puzzled “Oh no, they didn’t . . .” look on my face a couple times during my first listen.  Although, once past the initial shock, I think the sprinkling of Pop elements add to the appeal of Quiet Mouth Loud Hands. 

Damiera have offered up a strong release with Quiet Mouth Loud Hands.  Was it a little over-hyped? Yes.  Did it hold up to expectations? Mostly.  I think with the member issues, Damiera is commended for putting out such a strong album.  There are a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out with Quiet Mouth Loud Hands  (David’s vocals are not on par with the vocals on M(US)IC and the aformentioned minor identity crisis) , but over all this is a respected release. 

While not perfect, Quiet Mouth Loud Hands is a great transitional album and I’m sure the next effort has the potential to be even stronger. 

Stand Out Tracks:

“Devices”

“The Flood”

“A Tree and it’s Fruit”