Ample Population- Demo

Objectively listening to and reviewing Ample Population's 3-song demo admittedly took a bit of discipline. Perhaps recorded on a cheap 4-track, the tracks here consist of somewhat loose performances that are quite lo-fi and muddy with off-key, poorly recorded, rumbling vocals. In other words, they're more akin to early sketchpad home recordings than polished demos. Still, despite the recording and performance flaws, the three songs here present an interesting blend of moody post-punk and experimental tendencies.

"Red Cloud Afternoon" is something of a dissonant (albeit perhaps only dissonant because of the recording), moody track centered on a simple synth line accented by rhythm guitar and a snaking lead guitar riff. "Road Map" is the best offering here (as well as the best recorded), a song anchored by a great rhythm guitar riff almost reminiscent of Bauhaus or Joy Division with a far less cohesive chorus. Even the off key vocals work here to some extent. "In Your Head" is perhaps the least notable track, a whimsical lo-fi keyboard piece with semi-spoken vocals and an almost unbearable high-pitched noise running throughout the entire track.

While the recordings here are pretty bad and things could definitely use a bit of work in the performance department, especially vocally, Ample Population's songwriting shows promise. Unfortunately, the band probably won't get anywhere on the quality of this 3-song demo. However, with some discipline, work, and, perhaps, an upgraded recording setup, Ample Population may have an interesting future ahead.