Category: EP Reviews

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EP Reviews

As Sirens Fall

coming of (r)age

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As Sirens Fall

As Sirens Fall continue to forge their path with a confident and ambitious new EP. ‘coming of (r)age’ is a storming return from a band who continue their musical evolution with five more enormously catchy tracks.

‘cult’ eases us into the record and introduces us to the hook driven melodies that make this EP such an enjoyable listen sonically. Lyrically the record is a relatable and frank indictment on the dark times we find ourselves in and how we can still choose life.

‘boywhatever’ is a dancefloor filler built for the live setting and the title-track and ‘dynamite’ further demonstrate an added maturity within the band’s songwriting. Yes, this EP really is a big moment for As Sirens Fall as they set themselves up for world domination.

The EP closes with the hugely anthemic ‘heaven (spat us back out)’, which we recently featured on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist. The single is a true breakout moment from the band and can only be described these days as an out and out banger!

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Read our review of My Chemical Romance live in Milton Keynes

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EP Reviews

Oakman

SCP

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Oakman

The evolution of Oakman in recent years has culminated with the release of their third EP, ‘SCP’. The French pop-punk trio have given deeper exploration of the pop element of the genre and the outcome is majestic.

Opening with the statement dancefloor filler ‘Night’, the six track record is an uplifting yet brutally honest and personal collection.

‘Murder’ and ‘Fantasy’ knuckle down on this formula and exude vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

Oakman sound natural on this EP and are able to showcase their superb songwriting skills with freedom. Their pop-punk roots remain, but the band appear ready to elevate themselves both artistically and professionally with their new sound.

Watch Episode 22 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Oakman

Read our review of Arkells live in Norwich

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EP Reviews

The Skinner Brothers

Lonedon

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If you attended a UK music festival this year you would’ve had a high percentage chance of catching The Skinner Brothers. The hotly-tipped band have kept busy since supporting Kasabian last year and now feels an ideal time for them to release some new music.

Well, that’s exactly what they’ve done in the shape of new four-track EP, ‘Lonedon’.

The title track is up first and showcases their Britpop influenced indie-rock perfectly. Second track ‘Mellow’ demonstrates their dexterity and ‘Loaded Gun’ sounds like it was recorded for the FIFA video game soundtrack.

Final track, ‘Make It Count’, is a superbly crafted softer sing-a-long anthem which ensures that this is a well rounded collection.

In fact, if your looking for a short taster of this much hyped new act, then this EP is exactly what you need!

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Read our review of Reading Festival

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EP Reviews

BLACKGOLD

BLACKGOLD

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BLACKGOLD

The mysterious BLACKGOLD burst onto the scene earlier this year with their debut single, ‘It’s Art’, and now they have unleashed a monstrous self-titled debut EP!

That single gets the EP started and sets a tone that remains throughout the other four tracks. That is a tone of passion and ferocity in a distinctly nu-metal-esque presentation.

There is a good mix of both a throwback nostalgic sound with a fresh and innovative twist on this statement of a record.

It can be hard for new bands to break through, but BLACKGOLD clearly have eye-catching aesthetics and a sound that can back up their bravado. The band could have an intriguing future and this EP is the perfect introduction to the world.

Listen to ‘Sorry’ from BLACKGOLD on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Read our review of Muse live in London

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EP Reviews

James and the Cold Gun

False Start

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After wowing crowds across the UK in support slots for the likes of Therapy?, Creeper and Salem, rockers James and the Cold Gun unleash their debut EP, ‘False Start’!

Fans who have caught the band live over the past months will have had a taste of these five tracks, but it’s great to finally get to hear the studio versions. A debut release is always a statement for any act, but ‘False Start’ feels like a full statement of intent from the band.

This is their manifesto of hard and fast rockers designed to get you moving, and you’ll find it hard not to vote with you feet and your head! There is great potential in James and the Cold Gun and thankfully they’ve delivered a fantastic start with a superb debut release.

Watch our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests James and the Cold Gun

Read our review of Therapy? live in Norwich

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EP Reviews

Scruffy Bear

Face The Rain

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Scruffy Bear

The time has arrived for North Yorkshire fuzz rockers Scruffy Bear to unleash their new EP, ‘Face The Rain’ on the world.

The release features four hard hitting tracks which together signify the arrival of a band capable of wonderous things. Harnessing the power of singer Georgy Eaton’s voice and coupling it with a mixture of melodic licks and raucous riffs to create fierce blues rock sound.

If this is a taste of what is to come, then the future should be bright for this young band.

Watch our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Scruffy Bear!

Read our review of ‘Revelation’ from Stone Broken

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EP Reviews

Creeper

American Noir

Creeper American Noir cover
Creeper – ‘American Noir’

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CREEPER – AMERICAN NOIR – ALBUM REVIEW

From their early EP’s and through their debut album and subsequent disappearance in 2018, Creeper have always been a theatrical and mysterious band. It’s this nature that has helped to cultivate an aura of excitement that has nurtured a passionate cult of a fanbase.

Following a longer than planned absence after that fateful London show in November 2018 the band were then greeted by a global pandemic. Lesser bands would have folded, but not Creeper. Instead fans were finally treated to the spectacular sophomore album ‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’.

With touring not possible fans have been craving an opportunity to witness the glory of these songs live. Not resting on their laurels however, Creeper already have new music to present! Thankfully live music is now returning, because their new EP, ‘American Noir’ simply whets the appetite even further.

Read our review of Creeper at Download Pilot Festival

WATCH ‘DAMNED AND DOOMED’ ON YOUTUBE
Creeper – ‘Damned and Doomed’

The EP bursts into glorious life with lead single ‘Midnight’ which demonstrates the continued evolution of the band into something bigger. ‘American Noir’ follows on perfectly from ‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’ both sonically and thematically.

Listen to ‘Midnight’ on our Spotify Hot List!

‘America At Night’ and the incredible ‘Ghosts Over Calvary’ help to elevate this EP towards the best record that Creeper has released to date. ‘One of Us’ and ‘Damned and Doomed’ bring an end to a short but all so sweet collection of songs.

This is a stunning release from a band assumedly at the peak of their powers. But then, you should never assume with Creeper! On this trajectory those early predications of stardom remain on course.

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Read our review of ‘Salem II’ from Salem

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EP Reviews

Yonaka

Seize the Power

Yonaka Album Review
Yonaka – ‘Seize the Power’

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YONAKA – SEIZE THE POWER – ALBUM REVIEW

Since arriving on the scene in 2017 with their debut EP, Yonaka have gained a much deserved reputation as a fierce live act and a stunning band willing to push boundaries on record. Their debut album, ‘Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow’ showcased a band ready for huge things. After the events of the past year or so that release feels a long time ago, but it was only May 2019.

The pandemic has stifled the trajectory of many young acts, but Yonaka are leading the charge as we hope to return to some form of normality. With a string of quality singles in recent months, the band have ensured that they are on the tip of people’s tongues ready to conquer the world when live music returns. And if their recent performance at Download Pilot Festival is anything to go by, the band will do just that!

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

WATCH ‘SEIZE THE POWER’ ON YOUTUBE
Yonaka – ‘Seize the Power’

Discography anoraks can debate whether ‘Seize the Power’ is an EP or an album, but what we know is it’s 26 minutes of Yonaka at their best. Starting with the powerful ‘Ordinary’ this release is anything but ordinary! ‘Seize the Power’ and ‘Get Out’ demonstrate that the band are still able to mix catchy pop melodies with hard hitting beats to create a sound equally at home in front of mosh pits and dancefloors.

‘Raise Your Glass’ majestically captures the band in gloriously stirring mood before ‘Clique’ (complete with FEVER 333 appearance) packs an instant punch to rile you back up. ‘Greedy’, ‘Call Me a Saint’ and ‘Anthem’ then see out what is another high quality release from a band that thus far haven’t put a foot wrong.

Listen to ‘Call Me a Saint’ on our Spotify Hot List!

The future remains very bright for Yonaka and if they can keep releasing music of this quality then the world really is their oyster.

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Read our review of ‘No Gods No Masters’ from Garbage

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EP Reviews

Salem

Salem II

Salem Salem II Album EP Cover
Salem – ‘Salem II’

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SALEM – SALEM II – ALBUM REVIEW

Last Autumn saw Creeper singer Will Gould debut Salem, his new project with Matt Reynolds. After much acclaim the band return with their latest EP, ‘Salem II’.

The EP is a short but sweet punk rock bop, which has all the vibes of the early Creeper EP’s. It captures Gould at his very best and grows the seeds sown by Salem’s debut EP. With this EP, they become something bigger than a side-project. They feel now like an entity that will continue growing and provide another creative outlet to those involved.

WATCH ‘KEEP THE THORNS’ ON YOUTUBE
Salem – ‘Keep The Thorns’

This is good news, as the band now has a lengthy UK tour planned. The songs on this EP sound as though they will become much bigger in the live setting. ‘Keep The Thorns’ and ‘Sweet Tooth’ particularly whet the appetite for those shows.

Each song on the EP is strong and as the record finishes on ‘Heaven Help Me’ you are left craving more. Purpose served then for ‘Salem II’ as Salem continue to genesis.

Listen to ‘DRACULADS’ on our Spotify Hot List!

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Read our review of ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’ from Holding Absence

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EP Reviews

Black Sky Research

One

Black Sky Research – ‘Light up the Sky’

Following his self-imposed exile from music, former Mallory Knox vocalist Mikey Chapman is back. After a period of self-evaluation Chapman has joined forces with guitarist Luke Hicks to create Black Sky Research. Having debuted the single ‘Light up the Sky’ earlier this year, the band have now released their first EP ‘One’.

With Chapman’s distinguished vocals at the forefront there are of course Mallory Knox comparisons to be made, but on ‘One’ the band show an expansive sound that truly harnesses Chapman’s vocal power. Opening with ‘Light up the Sky’ the EP is full of peaks and valleys, crashing guitars and melancholy preludes punctuated by Chapman’s soaring vocals.

The EP is conceptual in nature and over the course of five songs details the protagonists fight to find his love during the chaos of the end of the world. ‘Midnight’, ‘Twilight’ and ‘Transmit’ all continue the story whilst laying the foundations for the band’s future sound.

There is plenty here for fans of Chapman’s previous band, equally however there is plenty to dissect from the storytelling point of view. Some lyrics almost feel autobiographical in nature as Chapman makes a statement of intent. On the EP’s finale ‘Dawn’, Chapman sings of second chances and this EP feels like a second chance for Chapman to showcase his immense talents.