When Dead Register dropped their three-song demo TRVNS BLVK back in 2014, it seemed destined to become one of the many records that is beloved by local music insiders, but has difficulty gaining traction with a broader audience. And, for the most part, that’s exactly what happened: the record was released, some people lost their shit, and then things returned to a state of relatively quiet. Such is the way of the demo.
But with Fiber, the trio’s upcoming debut full length, the group appears determined to be more organized and aggressive with their promotion. Although the album doesn’t officially drop until May, Dead Register are already building buzz with the release of the lead single and video for the title track. As expected, the cut hits hard with ferocious riffs and moody grooves that straddle the line between gothic doom and atmospheric alt-rock. But what’s surprising is how damn melodic and catchy the song is. Dead Register have never struck me as radio friendly, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if I heard this squeezed between Deftones and, say, Soundgarden on 99X or whatever the hell passes for rock radio in Atlanta these days.
Directed and edited by Avril Che, the video mixes performance footage and cinematic sequences that are dark and engrossing. Much like the song itself, it has a quality about it that feels larger and more expansive than what we generally find on the local level. It’s polished and slick without feeling artificial; it doesn’t just maintain the spirit of the band, it enhances it by giving them a visual identity that is authentic and compelling.
Fiber is out May 6 via the group’s own AVR Records.
More Info
Bandcamp: deadregister.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @deadregister