Sights Distorted: Last Light

The debut record by Drogheda-based trio Sights Distorted is an absorbing listen. Thematically, it’s centred around the subject of hope and – perhaps more importantly – the loss of it. Produced, programmed and mixed by multi-talented band member David O’Brien, Last Light is a sonic dissection of human emotions and there’s a myriad of moods and textures to be found over the course of the 12 track, 40-minute long journey.
A sinister slow-burner from start to finish, elements of post rock, dance, industrial, cyber punk and ambient are all employed to excellent effect: more often than not the songs crawl into your brain-case and lodge themselves there.
Opening with the brooding ‘First Light,’ spidery synths and mechanical clanking suggests something wicked this way comes. It all then stops abruptly, making way for the electropop of ‘Arrows.’ This unpredictability carries on throughout the following 10 tunes. Some of the songs have distinct Trent Reznor and Skinny Puppy influences. For me, Sights Distorted are at their best when they’re in your face and, in that respect, ‘5x5’ is pick of the bunch. Boasting a (dare we say it) Marilyn Manson-esque vocal performance, the track rages with the best of them, pointing towards a very bright future indeed.

Key Track: '5x5'