Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

It seems that not only is Mashemon’s live sound something superb to behold but they can also carry that same sense of illicit strength into the studio also. Their latest E.P. Various Propositions has all the hallmarks of something that should be shouted from the top of the Liver Building with passion.

It’s moody, desirable musical nature conjures up images of the dark and the danger that is untapped in everyone, even with the slight pop edge to it. There is an element aside from the undisguised Progressive motifs and tropes that wander in and out like tangible spectres that has more than a nod to the work of Jim Morrison within it as well. The poetry that the music hangs its self around is colossal and in some respects the four lads that make up this excellent band have set their sights very high and nothing wrong with that at all. If you have the talent then whatever you bring along to the table should surely be appreciated.

It is as ever just a shame that that the music they have bought out is only in an E.P., the music gets going and you are lost within its spellbinding and spine tingling  tones only for the album to suddenly stop and the feeling is one of being left bereft. Of course there is that magical moment of realisation that the play button of course can be pressed again. It is well worth doing that once or twice over the course of day.

Aside from the title track, the tracks Name On the Order, the outstanding Another Man’s Dirt, the creepy and dramatic Curtains and Jaw all flow with consummate ease and are designed to thrill the listener, something that Mashemon succeed in doing absolutely.

Various Propositions is a real cracker of an E.P., intense, theatrical and full of life, a real delight to hear.

Ian D. Hall