The members of END OF LEVEL BOSS love riffs. They love riffs a lot. It says so in their press release. This misleading mission statement goes on and on about riffs, about their love of riffs, how they are "sentenced to spend their waking hours scavenging the earth for new riffs," and how they cater to "riff worshippers around the globe." Tell us how you really feel, guys!

All propaganda aside, to be honest, truly memorable riffs are nowhere to be found on "Inside the Difference Engine." If the press release has you expecting the next "Iron Man" or "Smoke on the Water," you're going to have to look elsewhere. Most of said "riffs" contained on the album are just a down-tuned, post-rock drone. That's not to say the music that END OF LEVEL BOSS creates isn't good, quite the contrary. Prog-metal fans will no doubt flip for "Inside the Difference Engine." The press release might have missed the mark with that whole "riff" business, but it is on the money when it describes this UK quartet's music as "VOIVOD meets KYUSS." The twisting, odd time signatures that the band employs are definitely indicative of the former, and the warm, heavy production recalls the later. It is on the track "Reticence" that the KYUSS-komparison really is apparent. This song sticks out as an up-tempo rock number that relies heavily on singer/guitarist H Armstrong's strong voice. As good as his pipes are, "track of the album" honors would have to go to the instrumental "Connotations." The band is really able to cut loose on this jam, with many audio effects and sonic experiments going on. The gang really attacks their instruments with a purpose and abandon that is lacking on some of the other songs.

The band has been able to carve a niche for itself in the last couple years with high profile shows and well-received releases. Hopefully, they'll be able to continue that momentum until they are finally able to scavenge that one riff that'll break 'em through to the upper echelon, because there is plenty on "Inside the Difference Engine" to suggest that they have what it takes.

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: www.eolb.com

RELATED ITEMS: END OF LEVEL BOSS - "Prologue", 2005