There’s just something about honing your craft for a number of years before taking the plunge that has to be respected. Despite releasing an EP, ‘Bagfull of Sins’, back in 2006, Geriko have been gaining experience on the road in recent years, playing with the likes of Declan O’Rourke on tour. Now, for Podge Corcoran (bass and vocals), Kevin O’Brien (guitar, synth & vocals) and Kevin Sheridan (drums, organ & vocals) it’s time for them to make their mark.
With ‘Triarchy’ they have delivered an accomplished debut which pulls from a variety of genres such as rock, funk, reggae and blues. Throughout the record you can hear that those years on the road together has created an undeniable chemistry and a well-defined sound with an explosive edge.
While you can hear the influence of bands like Led Zeppelin, Rage Against The Machine and Queens of the Stone Age on their sound, it never comes off as imitation. These influences shine through on the record and at its core it’s very much a hard rock sound, but there are elements of indie rock and alt-rock sprinkled in for good measure.
On Oceans Apart you can really hear the indie influence seep through, as after a trashy opening the song breaks out into a genuine indie floor-filler. The drums really drive the song forward and at times it sounds like Foals when they really get into a groove. It’s this sort of versatility which really makes this an impressive debut and a sign that Geriko can traverse a multitude of genres with relative ease.
As a band they’re not afraid to go outside the box when it comes to instrumentation. On Going Under, the band really let loose with a powerful chorus that hearkens back to the days of grunge. It’s the outro though that really showcases their ability to mix things up. As the band build to a crescendo they’re backed by a string section that embellishes things beautifully and adds a real emotional punch to the track. Likewise on Not Coming Home, a group of horns add a real playful spirit to a track that is already bursting with energy.
There are also a handful of more straightforward rock tracks on the record which really set the tone. Opener Long Way Down showcases each of the band members’ talents as the trio really lock in together to create a solid groove. A snarling bass line adds some menace to the track while the guitar gives the song its attitude. They even bust out some Rage Against The Machine style riffage to great effect. Then finally, after a breakdown which builds some tension they burst into life for a final chorus that pulls no punches.
It’s not all about the music though and there are times when the lyrics really stand out amongst the noise. Much the Same spreads a message of unity and togetherness in a time when we always seem to focus on what makes us different. Kevin O’Brien sings during the intro “From my window on the world I see people come and go/ Our story’s much the same, where we’ve been, from where we came/ Our’s story’s much the same.” Clearly they are a band who care about their message and when they can, they try to spread some positivity.
The real success of the album though is making a tried and tested sound feel fresh and new. It would have been easy for them to stick with a traditional rock sound, but Geriko went to great lengths to make a record that is wholly original. ‘Triarchy’ is a sleek and powerful debut from a band that looks to create something new from what has gone before.