Hallux Valgus - Reflections of Distant Dreams

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First off, we need to start with a definition. HALLUX VALGUS is the most common foot deformity. It is a progressive foot deformity in which the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is affected and is often accompanied by significant functional disability and foot pain and reduced quality of life. Explains why if you search the internet for information about the band all you get is medical hits. Bugger.

All I can say is that they are a Chilean, if I’m correct. And they are anything but standard. But never mind, we still have the music. To describe it I will say that the names these players have given themselves are far heavier than whatever they are producing suggests. The guitars sound like they are from a thrash band, the bass is very basic, and the drums are the only thing reminding you that this could get quite heavy. It only really starts to explode when we get to the fourth song, “Hot Puke”, as that is where the blastbeats start to emerge.

Before that it is all a bit more subdued. But, don’t fear, it is quite alright. Musically there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the pleasures of “Reflections Of Distant Dreams” when it enters your ears and brain. These guys know what they are doing when playing their instruments. That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. It’s the voice that scares me. It is just so disassociated in comparison to the music that it makes it hard to give HALLUX VALGUS the normal attention it should deserve. It reminds me of NECROPHAGIA, where the voice didn’t always fit the music. So, if you’re not bothered by that, by all means, go ahead, listen to “Reflections Of Distant Dreams” and hear and feel what HALLUX VALGUS has to offer.

The other thing that worries me is that the songs are too much a dime a dozen. There’s nothing there that is out of the ordinary, not one song is so exciting that I am willing to keep on listening. No, it is all just that bit too easy, too much a rehash of things that have been done before. I’m really sorry to say this, but even with the strange way HALLUX VALGUS uses the voice, if the music would have made me appreciative and put a smile on my face, it wouldn’t have mattered. But they haven’t, unfortunately.

Songwriting: 6
Musicianship: 6
Memorability: 6
Production: 6