Monday 20 October 2014

Review of "Tex-Mexiconomy (EP)" by We Are Carnivores Released 10th November 2014


We Are Carnivores are a Post-Hardcore band from Hull consisting of Harry Christopher (Vocals, Guitar), James Pickersgill (Guitar, Vocals), Beu Smith (Drums) and Alex Gower (Bass, Vocals). This is a review of their quirky titled EP Tex-Mexiconomy. The band is currently touring and played The Underground, Plymouth on Sunday 19th.

The EP kicks off with "Checkout Girl" with its sneering vocals, indie meets punk flavoured guitars. "Quick Questions Can't Stay Long" show the band are not afraid of dissonant chords to create a  jarring feeling in the intro. The album has its own energy which keeps the listener guessing what will come next.

The highlight of the album is the catchy "T.O.W.I.C.S" with its straightforward pop punk vibe with lyrics referencing selfies, Made in Chelsea, hashtag and Jordie Shore. Lead singer Harry spits his lyrics with rapid fire venom and distaste for the subject matter combined by the relentless pace of the track mean this is sure to be a live favourite.

"Iron Me" is a heartfelt disconcerting acoustic which explodes into a wall of guitar noise and feedback at the climax. The EP ends on politically charged "Are We Allowed To Just Live?" which which uses contrasting melodic phrases with discordant nirvana-esque breaks to great effect.

The EP is veritable banquet of politically charged lyrics, quirky humour,half sung / spoken / shouted vocals, quick fire riffs, big hooks, punk attitude and a keen sense of melody. For fans of Don Broco, The JCQ, Reuben, Mallory Knox and Lower Than Atlantis.

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Review of "The Hunter, The Gatherer" by Arizona Released 20th October 2014


Arizona are a metalcore band from Essex formed in 2011 consisting of Jacob Scroggs-Parris (Vocals), George Southernwood (Drums), Brad Laurence (Guitar), Benjamin Wyckes(Guitar) and Jordan Swan (Bass). The band release "The Hunter, The Gatherer" on 20th October 2014.

It is clear from the very second of "Black Hart" that it is going to be a heavy affair, with downtuned chugging riffage, rapid drums and lead singers Jacob's vocals reminiscent of the lead singer of Spineshank.  "The Hunted" and the notch heavier "The Gathering" are structurally and sonically similar; clearly the two tracks are meant to be companion pieces, reflective of each other.

The EP ends on the strongest track "Preacher" which starts with a slow creepy halloween-esque intro before stabbing guitar riffs and a catchy repeating lead riff kick in, topped off with Jacob spitting his lyrics like his life depends on it. If this track does not get your head banging you are possibly dead.

The Hunted is a take no prisoners romp through a riff strewn landscape, complete with machine gun drumming, thumping bass and half screamed/ half shouted vocals. The EP would appeal to fans of Bury Tomorrow, early Spineshank, Hatebreed and Chimaira.