Atlas / In Arms – Split EP

By Chris Marshman

Leeds hardcore outfit Atlas have recently teamed up with Sheffield lot In Arms for a 4 track split. The result? More melodic hardcore than you could wish for in one EP. Both bands bring their own unique style to the table in a record that’s completely filled to the brim with the emotion and atmospheric qualities that have become typical of the genre. (Don’t worry, this isn’t to say it’s getting stale).

Atlas chip in with more of a refined, polished-off sort of sound, intricately combining huge explosions of energy and angst with the more ambient melody driven riffs, completely nailing the transitions between both and making for an almost While She Sleeps-esque sound. Complete with the slowed down, shout along sections – particularly displayed in ‘The Strength in Us’ – which sounds like it was written just for crowds to belt the lyrics back at vocalist Jordan Widdowson.

In Arms bring more of a gritty feel to the record, but one that is no less impressive. There is a rawness about their input, an almost honest brutality in Ollie Beech’s vocals. The relentless onslaught is perfectly mirrored by these delicate prolonged instrumentals, which showcase the versatility of the group’s musicianship and songwriting ability.

Both groups will be joining fellow Yorkshire band While She Sleeps on an upcoming tour (on separate dates), giving an indication of just how much recognition they’re each getting. Sharing a stage with one of the most successful bands of the genre right now can only go a long way in aiding both of the acts’ growth.

The split is a massively admirable piece of work. The intensity conveyed from start to finish from both bands doesn’t come close to dropping for a second, and it’s pretty much everything you could want from a melodic hardcore EP.

BRADLEY LENGDEN

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