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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Obey’ with YUNGBLUD from ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’
“Bring Me The Horizon aren’t heavy anymore”.
If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard this said over the past five years, I’d definitely be able to buy a ticket to their 2021 tour. Well, based on ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ that’s just what their critics need to do. Hopefully this would show them just how silly this statement is.
Bring Me The Horizon are a band that have constantly evolved throughout their career, and yes that means that not every song is a head banging, scream your lungs out belter. It doesn’t mean however that they have lost their teeth. This new EP takes the best elements from throughout their career and combines them in one stunning masterpiece of an album.
The release of ‘Ludens’ back in 2019 was lauded as a return to form and ‘Paradise Eve’ released mid-lockdown teased a heavy edge to this release. Even I’m surprised though as the band come straight out of the gates with the ruckus ‘Dear Diary’. ‘Paradise Eve’ and the Linkin Park tinged ‘Teardrops’ follow and by the time you reach the fantastically mad YUNGBLUD collaboration ‘Obey’ even the most disillusioned old school fan will have their foot stomping and their head banging.
There has certainly been a quirkiness to Bring Me The Horizons recent releases such as the much maligned ‘Amo’. On ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ that quirkiness is embraced and even emboldened. The combination of ‘Itch for the Cure (When Will We Be Free?)’ and ‘Kingslayer’ featuring Babymetal is insane. Insanely good that is. I dare anybody not to have the chorus stuck in their head after listening.
‘1×1’, ‘Ludens’ and the curious Amy Lee collaboration ‘One Day the Only Butterflies Left Will Be in Your Chest as You March Towards Your Death’ close out this brilliant EP. It’s a relentless statement from the band from start to almost finish. ‘One Day…’ is an interesting choice to end on and is probably the weakest track on the EP when held in context of the EP. As a standalone piece of music however it’s an enjoyable if unexpected composition. Adding it to the end of this EP however has done both the song and the EP a disservice.
I very much doubt however that Bring Me The Horizon will care. This EP continues the evolution of a band very much willing to experiment and test the boundaries of their capabilities and their fans patience. Quite possibly this EP represents the most complete sample of the band to date and I for one cannot wait to witness the majesty of these songs live.
