“Rebuilding Jericho” – THAT’S how to open an album. A big tick in that box for these boys. Punk rock riffage, aggressive vocally, sexy pneumatic drumming and just over a minute in length – lovely stuff. Surely it can only go downhill from here? Let’s take a looksee. Listensee. Whatever.
After failing to pick up on the Mars Volta comparisons offered up by my very good friend Mr Press Release, the whiff of a prog-rock influence did rear it’s sweet smelling face, which is nice to note in something that opens sounding like it’s hard, fast punk rock by numbers. Which, of course, would be no bad thing – but it’s still nice to hear something at least a bit different. The remaining few tracks thunder by, letting loose some more of the influences that the band mix seamlessly with their overbearing hardcore punk stylings – we are presented with some lovely galloping guitarage that wouldn’t be too far out of place on a Maiden album. Maybe one of their poorer albums, admittedly, but high praise nonetheless. We also get some good ol’ gang vocals and a couple of other nice sections that peak the interest, but this EP is hardcore punk rock through and through, regardless of the multitude of influences thrown at the listener.
Vocally very strong, tuneful and interesting to listen to, this is certainly the start of something special. Personally I would have liked to hear more harmony in the vocals, but that’s just me. I’m a big wuss who likes to hear people singing nicely together. The production isn’t of the highest quality either, and sound levels in general are low, but it ain’t like I can hold that against them. One and a half thumbs up from this end!
www.engineerrecords.com
Ian