I was hugely impressed with Brides‘ last self-released EP and so it was no surprise at all to discover they’d been snapped up by Visible Noise. Those who loved that last CD will definitely dig this – it’s more polished and rounded but just as vicious and melodic in equal measure. The Alexisonfire-isms of the dual vocals are still there, which is good, but the band have started to forge their own sound and identity. The melodic bits are even more melodic – the singingalong bits are fantastic, ‘Serpent, I’m Nothing But Your Anchor’ is absolutely smashing, for instance – and the harder bits are harder. It’s a cliche, but it’s true.
Each one of the 8 songs on ‘Ocular.Unveil’ is worthy of a listen and this is a very solid release. The band’s bio states Brides draw as much influence from Hot Water Music and A Wilhelm Scream as they do from Mew or Misery Signals and that’s never better demonstrated than on ‘The Cold Wealth’ when the riffs shred like AWS yet have the same kind of passion of a HWM. It may sound like an odd concoction but it really does work. ‘Carcinoma’ is another huge, huge track with catchy vocals and plenty of riffs to keep those who appreciate the heavier moments happy.
Brides are one of the best UK bands around right now and while we’re only 2 weeks into the new year this album is destined to be in a lot of top 10s in 11 months time. If they blew up Gallows-style big, I for one would not be surprised at all – welcome to 2009’s ‘Orchestra of Wolves’.