Labels: self released
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Here we have some Irish folk trying their hand at the post-hardcore genre and doing a remarkably solid job of it. Sure, it sounds like a better track on a sub-par Emo Diaries comp, but they are mixing up the likes of Texas is the Reason and Empire State Games to nice effect. The vocals are great, a little rough but insecure and troubled at the same time, staying just the right side of theatric for the most part. The music follows the template for the genre religiously, with slower moments of contemplation making way for big outbursts of emotion and loudness, all the cliches are present but the band shows a good understanding of how to use them. I never tire of the sweet sound of loud guitars playing these chords so well.
Look, these 3 songs break absolutely no ground. You have heard this done before, you have heard it done better, but when was the last time you heard a new band that sounded a bit like Empire State Games? Must be a good few years. And this is only a demo from a band that appears to be just finding their feet. You can’t expect miracles just yet. Good start. If you like to hear new bands bending the same old music into new songs, you will at least want to give this a listen.