Review: Something You Whisper - From the Other Side E.P

Something You Whisper are a Post-Hardcore band from Ontario. Their latest E.P, 'From the Other Side' is a mix of generic Metalcore and Post-Hardcore. Although they do not bring anything new to the scene's table, they are certainly better than some of the scene's biggest names (Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens and Black Veil Brides). The newest release isn't something which will take your breath away but it will keep you entertained and engaged for the most part of it. It consists of six tracks, one of which is an acoustic track, and they are well executed and the production is great. However, with them being generic and not breaking any new ground, they don't seem to grab you the way that they probably hope to.

The E.P opens with 'Who I've Become'. It starts with a nice, interesting intro before going into generic sudden chugs on the guitars. It's good and well done but not something all that exciting. It's apparent that these guys are taking inspiration from their favourite bands but maybe just a little to much. It's a shame because the vocals and drumming are the most exciting parts. The drums are well executed and not over-done. They accompany the guitars and the drums keep the backbone of the song straight. The vocals are generic sounding but yet they are still good to listen to. The E.P continues with 'Speak To Me', 'Breathless Voice' and 'Dead In Fiction'.

These tracks are all straight forward and generic yet still good fun to listen to. The chugging of the guitars, the mix between cleans and screams, the intense and often exciting drumming and the electronic are a great mix that sounds good but yet it isn't something you haven't heard before. The best parts are the breakdowns and that is when it gets a little more intense. Well placed and executed with extreme precision, the breakdowns stand out as highlights of the tracks on here. The last non-acoustic track is the single 'Anti-Conscience'. It follows the same formula as all the other previous tracks and is nice way to finish up before moving on to the acoustic track. The acoustic track for 'What I've Become' is the highlight of the album. It's nice and calm and really allows the singers vocals to stand out and show off his talents. It makes a small, yet nice, change from what the rest of the E.P has been about.

To finish up this short review, this E.P is a good piece of music. However, it is often repetitive and generic, never trying to break any form of new ground and that is a shame. I like what these guys are doing, it is good to listen to however I just wish more experimentation was around in order for it to stand out. The drumming, the breakdowns, the vocals and the acoustic track is what makes this work. They just need to cut down on down-tuned guitar chugs and focus on writing some riffs. That would be something I'd like to see from these guys in the future otherwise they'll just fall into a pit full of similar artists all doing the exact same thing and, for such talented people, I would hate to see that happen. So, to sum up, this is good and is worth a listen yet don't go in expecting all that much in terms of original song writing and technicality.

6.5/10

- Asa

Haste The Day Playing Reunion Show

Haste The Day are playing a one-off show in Indianapolis on May 2nd to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Burning Bridges. Don't be surprised if this turns into a full blown tour...

Review: Crosses (†††) - ††† (Crosses)

Crosses (or †††) is the new band helmed by Deftones front-man, Chino Moreno. '†††' is their debut album and is an interesting, if not unique, experience. The album is something of a unique blend of chilled-out music, similar to that of Mogwai, Moby or Spiritualized, heavy Rock, such as the style that Deftones are known for, and Metal, featuring some very nice, yet subtle, screamed vocals. For the most part, this an album that you can simply put on anywhere and not get frowned at for playing. It has elements for people who enjoy all styles of music and nothing is overly thought about. This is not an album that relies on playing simple chords or repeat chugging of an open string to command your attention, but focuses on drawing you into something that is, for the most part, calm and tranquil. It's an album that is easy to get lost in but will make sure that you don't fall asleep when listening to it. Whether it is sudden screamed vocals or a change to moderately fast Rock, there is something that will come along from nowhere and take you by surprise. With so many albums being released, it's hard to find something solid, beautiful and as surprising as this. 

The album begins on 'This Is A Trick', a song that has a simple yet wonderful beat. It's a song that sets the tone of the album and it's solid work. Short, simple yet catchy and demanding, switching between a slightly laid back beat for the verses and a slightly more aggressive Rock feel for the choruses. Chino sounds at the top of his game, his vocals calming and beautiful to listen to. The drums are simple and keep the flow of the song going. The guitar work, again simple, but add a little spice to the song. The basslines are something easy to groove along to, remaining simple in their appearence, demanding in their approach. The keyboard work however, is what adds the most, having a lot of wonderful elements to it and making the song that extra bit special. 

The album continues to grow, with the next song, 'Telepathy', being even better than the previous track. Again, simple drums, wonderful and calming keyboard work, simple guitar work that flows well with the chorus, a bassline that will get stuck in your head and vocals that a dreamy and are most demanding at the chorus, where you could easily fall into a dream-like state. Again, the album grows with tracks 'Bitches Brew', 'Trophy', The Epilogue', 'Nineteen Ninety Four', 'Nineteen Eighty Seven', 'Cross' and ending track, 'Death Bell'. 'Death Bell' is one of those tracks that is so beautiful and calming that you don't want it to end. It's pretty much all keyboard work and Chino's voice is perfect. This is one of the best ways to end a such a solid, impressive and dream-like album. You can't decide a favourite track because of the consistency present. If you compare 'Thholyghst' to 'Death Bell' and then 'Bitches Brew', you see how diverse the album is whilst still being simple and beautiful.

If you love things like Moby, Spiritualized, Mogwai and then with elements added from bands such as Imagine Dragons, Deftones and Bastille, then this is an album for you. It's a great blend of calming, chilled out tracks and upbeat, demanding yet still somehow calming Rock that captures the mind at its most creative and fragile state. It is an essential purchase for anyone because there will be something you like on here. It's a remarkable listen and flows well, not getting boring and keeping the listener engaged. The beats are simple, the guitars are well executed, the basslines are easy to groove to, the keys add calm yet exciting melodies, the vocals are almost angelic and every song is catchy, each one having something that will stick out to you. This is my favourite album so far this year and I only hope there is more remarkable albums like this to come in the future. Listen to it. You won't be disappointed.

10/10

- Asa