Longevity is not something that New Zealands hardcore / metal scene is known for, and at 5 years, Every Man For Himself (EMFH) 'should' be heading into retirement. It is then with great pleasure that I review what I consider to be the fruit of many years hard labour - part one in their two disk album, Te Pae Mahutonga.
This review will not contain the usual comparisons to bands and labels who share a micro genre, firstly because I lack the knowledge to make the comparisons, and secondly, because their music crosses too many genres to fit simply within one. From modern layered hardcore to 'math' metal and hints of this century's metalcore, that which once failed to work coherently has found a balance and harmony in amongst the dissonance and frenzy.
For me the most significant thing about this CD is that EMFH has found a voice and an a means of expression that no longer feels like awkward music played in awkward time signatures by guys who don't fit in the normal mold of New Zealands alternative music scene. Most people who have met the band members are struck by their honesty, humility and sincerity, and when I think about popular criticisms of modern hardcore, I cannot see a trace of it in EMFH. In all honesty, I believe they are one of the few bands who are keeping the 'counter' in counterculture.
This new focus, this new direction both sounds and feels different, the lyrics sharper and less juvenile, the music more cutting and mature, layered and vivid. Perhaps still too jumpy for a 4/4 kinda guy like me, but no longer confusing.
The first obvious point of difference begins with the packaging, it is a far cry from their self titled EP, and while still keeping the purple and blues, the EP art is left in the dust. While the photos used in Te Pae Mahutonga are not striking in and of themselves, the whole package compliments the music and thematic weight of urbanization and detachment from the land.
As a Pakeha, the lyrics are significant not as only as a voice for Maori, but a voice for discontentment, alienation and detachment from the dominant culture. In this way, the lyrics transcend culture boundaries and move into a critique of accepted norms and institutionalized inequality - for Maori and Pakeha. Without trying to stretch myself in directions I cannot grasp, there is within Te Pae Mahutonga a resonance of the concept of whenua that is almost tangible. If the lyrics speak to me from across cultures it is that there is commonality in our disenfranchisement.
If I had pages I would move into a more detailed engagement on the lyrics, but I will leave it with two snatches:
View From The Bottom Looking Up
I am the bad headlines, the bad statistics, the bad stereotypes.
I am a stripped gear in the machine.
Detached from my enviroment and my culture.
Waiora
My placenta is buried in soil, smothered by slabs of concrete and asphalt,
All in the name of progress.
Even the recording is significant, there is movement and depth, space and fury packed into just under a quarter of an hour. I don't listen to this style of music often, but the recording helps me to enjoy it and appreciate the layering of the guitars and the 'big' chords and melody. It is sharp, loud and cutting. The stand out track for me definitely: Until the lions learn to record their own history, the tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter.
Even if EMFH don't fit in within your usual purchases, there is an experience forgone if you do not buy this album. Anyway, I've said way too much, go here to check out more.
A very strong 4/5
http://www.myspace.com/everymanforhimself
Mon Nov 17, 2008
Plus - Interview.
1) A few months ago you released part one of a two part album Te Pae Mahutonga, firstly, how does a two part album work? and secondly, how do you feel about it looking back?
We have written six songs to represent each of the different dimensions of Te Pae Mahutonga, a Maori model of Health and Wellbeing by Dr.Mason Durie. Part One was released last November containing three of the six model songs plus three others based on supporting ideas. The second part is not far away, containing the remaining dimensions and will slot right in with Part One lyrically and musically...except with a few new tricks. Both discs will be housed in the one case too, which ties the ideas together.
We are really proud of Part One. We’ve spent a great deal of time and effort creating this and are pleased with the feedback we have received. Its been particularly rewarding to hear the connection people from all walks of life have made with the lyrics. Releasing the album in two parts has allowed us to release new music quickly, and given reason to play two sets of release shows.
2) Te Pae Mahutonga - like much of your music is influenced by your Maori heritage. In Waiora you speak of whenua - could you elaborate on this concept and it's significance to modern Maori?
Our home, South Auckland, like many places in New Zealand is a giant construction site at present. Tens of thousands of new houses, countless malls and shopping complex’s, roads and highways make it unrecognizable from even a decade ago. Its inhabitants live amongst this ongoing work, in the noise, under the pylons, with nature being pushed further out of reach. Regardless of ethnicity, health and wellbeing is impacted on by this separation from a natural environment.
3) Do you think the concept of self determination is something you've carried on into EMFH?
As a band, we choose to play music that we like to listen to, and write about topics we are passionate about. Often it is not what is necessarily the most popular or marketable. By this, I believe we are a self determined band. We pay our own bills, make our decisions, and aren’t accountable to anyone but ourselves. That said, we do not separate ourselves from working with other bands or people that have different views or ethics than us. We would have a very empty schedule if we did.
4) What was it like supporting underoath, poison the well and every time i die?
A huge honour. Poison The Well would be one of the most influential bands for us, and you’d had to have lived in a cave for the past few years to not have heard Underoath and Every Time I Die. To share a stage with them playing the music we want to play in our hometown was amazing. It was one of our biggest audiences to play in front of, and was full of new faces. We seemed to practise that much harder in preparation, and waking up the morning of the show already nervous was also a treat in itself.
5) Is there any bands / artists / people that inspire you collectively?
We were lucky enough to do all of our release shows for our Part One of Te Pae Mahutonga with Congaline and Cry Wolf, while also teaming up with the likes of the Burial and Hard Times along the way. All of these bands are prime examples of the talent that seems to pop up from around New Zealand that keep us inspired and motivated.
It has also been inspiring watching people like RW Entertainment taking show organizing to the next level, with so many top international acts gracing our shores lately. Having that quality of act a couple of times a month like it is at present will surely keep our scene from stagnating.
6) You've been to Australia once, any plans to return?
Would love to. I’d like to think that we have grown heaps since our first visit a year and a half ago, and would like to go measure ourselves against our Aussie counterparts again. We aren’t too fussed on making a profit, rather on travelling and sharing our music. If we got our wish, Australia would be one of many overseas destinations we played in the near future.