Mind And Separation - Charnel House EP

Released	1st September 2014
Recorded Record Label	2014 Unsigned
Genre	Melodic Hardcore
Length	23:40
Origin	Sheffield
Rating	9 / 10

Famously known for their solid music scene, Sheffield's own Mind And Separation are releasing their first ever titled EP, Charnel House this Autumn. Featuring 6 crafted melodies, which are a massive credit to the growing scene.

Slowly introducing us to the first track is Overcome, progressive combining melodic elements that are soon bound together by vocalist Travis, immersing his callous tone at you. Picking up the pace, with a faster moving beat increases the impact that you are faced with, while the song ends suddenly.

Regret shows off Travis's dominant hitting vocals as the song is tailored to his tone. Elements of post hardcore are heavily embedded as well as the elaborate melodic rhythms. Certainly one of the songs that stand out from the EP to me, its lyrical references are as powerful as the message, clear and repetitive to create even more effect. From the beginning of the song right down to its little harmonic ending, it strikes me greatly, as the detail of gradual tension is built carefully.

Striking you with such an intricate intro Stay True, starts off with soft breaks of vocals which are then accompanied by a powerful sound that constantly changes considerably. Not sticking to anything basic, Mind And Separation have added multiple alterations that disarray the generic structure, mixing things up for a modern audience to enjoy. The whole EP works so well because of this, no one song alone sounds like the other.

Drawing to a close, we are finally met with a somewhat peaceful interlude that takes all the endeavour off our ears, to enjoy a beautifully composed instrumental piece. Before Deserted slowly kicks in, dampening the mood for Travis's voice to lustre through. Carefully placed to ease you back into the bands complex sound, the melody is somewhat soothing until it the pace is picked up and once again we are restored back to a faster path. The strongest detail extracted come from the changing in pitch from calm to quiet, then from rigid to enraged then back to its simplest form where Travis's vocals end the song with such sentiment, the final drum beat adds to its weight.

Ending the whole EP with the longest song of 6 minutes, Grief plunges in straight away with impenetrable vocals that are then soon joined by a light melodic height.
As the track progresses we are opened to share the same journey as it constantly changes unexpectedly in tempo and pace, keeping you alert. Just when you think the song is coming to an end, the repetitive words are blared out into a gradual finale.

As a whole, Charnel House deserves a solid 9/10, 5* for all six tracks to follow up on each other smoothly, creating a solid first EP for themselves. Not just giving the audience generic music but altering it to suit their style, Mind And Separation, at such an early start have already earned their rank up there. If you are into Melodic Hardcore and have not yet heard of them, I highly recommend it, as they are a band that you will instantly like without a second listen. Hitting you straight up, with their mastered noise.

The EP will be out September 1st and free to download on their bandcamp!
Or you can catch two of their songs which are streamed on YouTube right now!

LISTEN TO IT FOR FREE: HERE

TRACK LISTING:
1.Overcome
2.Regret
3.Stay True
4.Charnel House
5.Deserted
6.Grief

Buckle Tongue - A King In All Of Us EP

Released	1st September 2014
Recorded Record Label	2014 Unsigned
Genre	Alternative Rock
Length	15:17
Origin	Ellesmere Port
Rating	9 / 10

The four piece alternative rock band from Ellesmere Port, Buckle Tongue are set to release 4 brand new tracks which feature on the EP, A King In All Of Us this September.


The first title track Embers draws your attention straight away with its heavy drum and guitar riff that rapidly repeats, until vocalist Benny Chance's rugged voice breaks through. Instantly warming you with a familiar presence. Upbeat and impacting instantly, this song perfectly eases new listeners with their impressively funky rhythms presented throughout the verses as well as the ending of the song.
A tranquil change appears in the bridge where a much slower tempo is played, relaxing your ears before the journey comes to a close with a mammoth of an outro.


Following the funky flow, Tidal sweeps in with a strong instrumental intro that soon joins the powerful boom of Chance's vocals. This bouncy structure is repeated throughout the song, highlighted by the compelling vocals as well as the rhythm, leaving it's mark imprinted in your ears. Just as you think it's over a sudden change slowly captures you as the song ends on a much lighter and calm note, showing off a different side, completing the song overall.

Wayside joins the EP, fitting in perfectly. There appears to be a slightly different sound here as its modern rock vibration combines with a classic voice, the constant juxtaposing sounds work together in unity. By also adding a short djenty breakdown cater for the current audience. Famously ending on a high complex instrumental solo piece, that compliment the vocals into a breakdown of chaos. Wayside without a doubt is the strongest contestant from the EP.

To end such an explosive EP, You're Saving Me takes a different road from the other songs. Straight into vocals, we are exposed to the soft sharpness of Chance's voice that slowly eases us before the intense company of the guitar, bass and drums kicks in taking the song back to their unique fusion.
More of a slow song, it perfectly ends the EP, advertising the bands complex talent which they are more than capable of producing.

Overall the EP only consist of four songs, however each mark their own spot, setting them aside from each other but also working solidly as one. For a small unsigned band, Buckle Tongue have done well to bring back a nostalgic smell of classic rock music to the modern world as you don't get a lot of niche bands who have the right spark to make modern music with an authentic twist. Highly deserving 9/10 for the whole EP, it is pretty solid and worth a listen.

A King In All Of Us is out on the 1st September!

LISTEN/ BUY IT HERE