The grotesqueness of "The Horrifying Truth" album's cover indicates its material will be just that. But not quite, not only is the material light on overbearing heaviness it has a softness that completely contradicts the image of the cover.
Grinding their way through
Years of hard work came to fruition for I Am Giant when their debut album "The Horrifying Truth" dropped this year and it's a good one.
The London-based band comprises drummer and co-founder Shelton Woolright, Paul Matthews, Aja Timu and Ed Martin. When I spoke to Woolright earlier this year he said the album was based on the group's experiences. Taking from that, the group must have experienced a lot.
"The Horrifying Truth" was recorded in Sydney and Melbourne with producer Savell (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, the Butterfly Effect).
Creating pure epicness
I Am Giant deliver a crisp debut in "The Horrifying Truth".
The album includes all three successful singles from their 2010 "City Limits" EP, adding to a growing list of smash hits.
Band member Shelton Woolright said his group's experiences are the inspiration behind their lyrical approach, as they deal with their fledging success.
The album's playlist begins with the instantly recognisable "And We’ll Defy", and encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and needing something to believe in. It is quickly followed by "Black Hole Of My Heart", a soaring track with a layered chorus and even heavier vocals.
I Am Giant, quickly earning a reputation for utilizing a fierce sound, has become one of the country's best rock acts on the back of their debut effort.
The band's most epic moment is "Let It Go". The song has a strengthening build up with the tapping of the drums and guitar moving alongside the lead vocals to culminate in an unruffled chorus. The vibration of the electric guitar should also be noted here, absolutely superb musicianship.
The album features singles "The Haunting of Elinor Shaw", "After the War", "Bodies in the River Nile", "Night Vision", "Electric Throne", "Neon Sunrise", "The Escape Artist", "Purple Heart" and one of the album's best, "City Limits".
It's one of 2011's best albums and is a colossal way to begin the legacy of I Am Giant.
Who are they?
I Am Giant hails from New Zealand but are currently based in London after forming in 2009.
The band consists of New Zealanders Shelton Woolright, Paul Matthews, Aja Timu and Brit, Ed Martin.
Lead vocalist Ed Martin delivers powerful, soul influenced hooks andand rough choruses. Drummer Shelton Woolright, rose to fame in Blindspott.
Bassist Paul Matthews credits include double platinum selling Tadpole and Stylus. Paul is also a noted producer and engineer, having worked on several gold and platinum selling albums, and top 10 singles including Blinspott’s self titled debut album.
Paul teamed with Shelton to co-produced Six60's single "Rise Up 2.0".
Fans flock in impressive numbers
Despite their album only being released this year, the group has amassed an impressive following. That popularity was ignited when I Am Giant Quiksilver Ambassadors for Europe which lead to countless festivals and events including Brixton’s Skate and BMX Jam, Quiksilver’s Chromataphobia and the Quiksilver Pro Tour in Biarritz.
In March they sold out their first tour in New Zealand, in May performed at two Tiger Translate parties in Vietnam, before returning for gigs in France, London, Liverpool (Sound City showcase) and then racked up the frequent flyer points by touring New Zealand, Australia and America through June/July/August before returning to the UK to play at the British Surf Champs and an encore performance at this year’s Quiksilver Pro Tour in Biarritz, France
Verdict
"The Horrifying Truth" is one of this year's best albums. With its first single, "City Limits" and "Neon Sunrise" setting rock radio stations in New Zealand on fire for the last five months, the album continues to show off the band's eclectic rock sound. Remarkably, the album is layered with soul, a rarity amongst most acts today. "Neon Sunrise" is so popular that its video features surf legend Kelly Slater.
I Am Giant is conquering New Zealand and the rest of civilisation is next.
Aden Miles - Aden is a journalist, writer and artist with a passion for music, food and telling people's stories.
Join the Conversation