Monday 29 September 2014

Review of "Faultlines" by Road To Horizon Released 20th October 2014



Road To Horizon are a five piece post hardcore band hailing from the depths of Yorkshire consisting of Ben Flockton(Vocal), Chris McIntosh (Guitar/Vocals), Benji Wilson (Guitars), Oli Parkinson (Bass) and Sie Gordon(Drums).

The album artwork for "Faultlines" has a passing resemblance to Bury Tomorrow's latest album "Runes" and from the start of the title track the similarities continue; the band play a similar post hardcore blend of crunchy guitars, blastbeat drumming with mix of unclean and clean vocals. What sets the band apart from the more metalcore Bury Tomorrow is their keen sense of melody which runs through their songs.

Up next is "Tonight Is Our Night" which has a Yashin feel to the track, Ben's vocals leaning further towards melodic singing and a catchy soaring guitar lead;"Victimised" is as heavy as sledgehammer from start to finish, reminiscent of ADTR's heavier efforts with dual attack vocals.

Faultlines ends on the track "Sirens" which keeps up the frantic pace of the EP having a sense of urgency that pulls the listener through.The track features a more Godsmack-esque riff and lyrics that you will be singing long after the songs ends.

This EP is full of vibrant songs packed with big riffs, memorable hooks and strong vocals to keep even the most jaded post hardcore / metalcore fan happy. Recommended for fans of Yashin, Funeral For A Friend, A Day To Remember and Bury Tomorrow.

The is release on the 20th October 2014 and is available here


Monday 15 September 2014

Review of "Confessions" by Ocasan Released 22nd September 2014



Ocasan have been together for over a decade relentlessly touring spreading their own brand of pop rock. The band consists of Nick Burns (vocals), Luke Mcdonnell (Drums) and Nathan Naidoo (Bass). "Confessions" marks the end of a trilogy of EPs forming an album titled "Elixir".

The EP kicks off with title track "Confessions" which lyrically is told from the point of view of a wealthy woman has been seduced by the caretaker of her home (bit weird); Musically its Mallory Knox-esque pop rock with chugging riffs, melodic vocals with driving drums and a big bass-line.

The second tracks is "Dark Cloud" a multi-layered track with heavier riffing in verses which relents for a soaring chorus. Nick's vocals shine through the dense mix making this track the standout track on the EP. "Invincible" builds on the formula of the album but packs in more riffs, more drums and a tighter bass line.

The EP ends on "Parasite" with its You Me At Six rock stomp and cabaret style backing vocals. The hooky guitar work adds to the fun of the track and Nick's vocals take on an almost punky edge.

This short but sweet EP is packed full of big hooks, catchy quirky songs, which may appeal to fans of Mallory Knox, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco.

"Confessions" is released on 21st September 2014 and will be available here where you can also buy the bands two previous EPs