We suspect that London trio Paradigm dig Nick Cave. Like, a lot. Now, that’s not a bad thing per se, but the mileage you get from their debut EP, ‘Realize’, will, we suspect, rather depend on your appreciation for the antipodean miserablist – for reasons we’ll explain shortly.
‘Realize’ acts as a sort of refresher course in goth-and-alternative through the ages. There’s a smattering of Muse synths here, some Echo & The Bunnymen dynamics there, a dash of Idlewild and more than a hint of Placebo and The Cure. Which is perhaps unsurprising, since the EP was produced by John Cornfield and Paul Corkett, who between them have worked with at least three of those acts (as well as the aforementioned Cave).
However, so affected is the gothic, baritone vocal style of lead singer Alex Blake, we were genuinely surprised to learn that the band were English. There’s a distinct air of the European-singing-in-a-second-language which overwhelms what is an otherwise slickly-produced, competently-played collection of alternative rock songs. Other views are available, of course, and one person’s distracting impression is another’s unique voice.
If, based on the comparisons above, this sounds like your cup of tea then it’s worth 18 minutes of your time, but we’re unlikely to be revisiting ‘Realize’ in a hurry.
ROB BARBOUR