01. Slide Song
02. She Was
03. Stay
04. The Dady Act
05. Paint It Black, You Devils
06. Radio
07. Gone
08. Away
09. Drive

Died Pretty first got together sometime around 1983 - 25 years ago. 1998's 'Using My Gills As A Roadmap', earned the band reviews as good as they'd pulled during their not insubstantial career (in fact, Juice magazine bestowed upon it the almost unheard of 10 out of 10 rating). Not surprisingly, UMGAARM went completely over the heads of the greater record buying public, and Died Pretty again found their critical success offset by commercial indifference. Through a series of overseas tours completely funded by themselves, Died Pretty built up a sizeable following in Europe, big enough to ensure that their second LP, 'Lost', hit number three on the Italian charts. 'Using My Gills As A Roadmap' is a return to form for Died Pretty. The intricate guitar work of Brett Myers takes a back seat, serving as supporting rhythms to John Hoey's keyboards and synthesisers. From the searing noise that pervades through the rocking opener, "Slide Song", the whole album has the feel of a band exploring a new horizon, taking a different turn, and succeeding in the effort. It is less a rock album; it is more a deep and emotionally provoking exploration of the senses. "She Was" and "The Daddy Act" continue the synth dominated sound, while "Paint it Black You Devils" is unlike anything the band has done before. It is dominated by a tribal rhythm, with Ron Peno's affected vocals interjecting, somewhat incidentally. "Stay", "Gone" and "Away" are more introspective songs - the middle of these, in particular, is a wonderfully layered song with shifts and changes, including beautiful synthesiser effects. "Away" has similar sounds, simultaneously gentle and haunting. The first single, "Radio" and the final song, "Drive", are the most rockiest, but they too are dominated by Hoey's keyboards. Peno's vocals remain as murky and obscure as ever, with impenetrable lyrics; but in the case of Died Pretty, less is often more. Although you can't understand much of what Peno says, you can sense the passion and the yearning. In summary (and put very simply), "Using My Gills As A Roadmap" is brilliant. It is by all means an experimental effort - the sound attests to this - but it works because Died Pretty is a band that never shies away from taking risks.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Church, The Triffids, Hoodoo Gurus, The Saints