Labels: Adagio830
Review by: Oli Saunders
2011 is starting to shape into a pretty good year for emo: Bâton Rouge, Human Hands, Kids Return, Raein, Quiet Steps and Adorno, amongst others, all putting out solid records, whilst vinyl from 12XU and Aghast are on their way. It’s not spectacular and I’m cutting it fine with my definition of emo, but it is definitely helping to keep the spirit alive. Some great tours happening too which the UK in particular has been devoid of recently.
Norway has a habit of popping up with great bands from time to time; usually they involve the same people. Wits End, lying very much in nineties emo territory, know how it’s done. The first song starts with feedback and a melodic riff, before meandering into grooving desperation which is what the band are all about. Finding the right balance to the vocals is essential and the band seem to play every song like it was their last, without going over the top. Two of the members sharing vocal duties and occasionally crossing paths. Whilst the influences of the past are there to be seen they have developed a pretty original sound – I want to say they sound a bit like a more melodic and slower version of Iconoclast or Merel but this link is a bit ropey.
Overall, a great beginning. This works perfectly as a 7” because the songs do start to merge together after a while. Splits with Tjuvjakt and Perfect Future on the way, happy times.
27th August 2011