(Review written by Charis P.)
Just a few days ago, the demo of URBAN TALES fell into my hands. A new band from Lisbon Portugal, formed in early 2005 by Marcos Cesar (vocals). To tell you the truth, I didn't know what to expect from that release.
The first song of that demo In Purity (which is the first video clip for the band, too), is a Rock/Gothic song with a 'catchy' chorus. The Rise, the second track of URBAN TALES in this demo, is a melancholic yet powerful song. A really touching song, with Claudia Dias backing vocals giving that 'something' in this composition. Next is You'll Never Know, a nice ballad. Simple one... but this is the essence in music, right? Good work in the guitars and Marcos with Claudia are giving a very good performance. In Superstar and Until I Died, we verify once again the band's good work. Nice refrains and synths in the right places that complete the two compositions. Love and Hate is one of the songs among my favorites. An aggressive composition and again a very nice work done by the band in the orchestration. That refrain is still spinning in my mind. The demo ends with an alternative take of You'll Never Know. An atmospheric ballad with piano and syth. A beautiful way to close this demo.
Six songs and one alternative, a self financed demo but with very good production and songs that other bands would want to be in their albums. A demo that cannot be put in any category.  Now the only thing we can do is to wait just for a few weeks and listen to their first album.