TOP 10 EP’s of 2014

1. Creeper - Creeper

Listening to a whole EP at first glance and thinking, “I FUCKING WHAT TO SEE THIS BAND LIVE RIGHT NOW” is a rare occurrence, however with the first tune of Creeper’s self titled EP, this was my exact thought. Ex members from previous band have come together to create this hybrid punk band and honestly it’s the best thing to happen in 2014. Banging out this EP had to reach number one on my radar as every song is just so catchy and upbeat, it screams “PLAY ME AT A HOUSE SHOW” which luckily enough actually happened, ending the year with a great celebration.

(LISTEN)

2.Trash Boat - Look Alive

Saint Albans new comers, Trash Boat rep the UK’s pop punk scene with an EP that puts many albums to shame. The five-piece, who are relatively new to the scene have shown great capability of releasing four head banging songs, that will be sure to get you finger pointing live. There is no room for being mediocre here, as vocally Tobi Duncan produces incredible biting sounds while the band cover a high end energetic presence. As well as that, lyrically the band are top on my list with catchy choruses that aren’t just about relationships but broaden to a positive vibe.

(LISTEN)

3. Mind And Separation- Charnel House

The Sheffield quartet have returned with an outstanding melodic hardcore EP which literally just blew me away. M&S (No not the high street retailers) have exposed some solid sounding vocals which Travis fires out, as each scream is clearly heard and packed with passion that is deeply emotive.

Young at age, there is no trace found as their melodic sound is perfected to every last note and composed beautiful together, wrapping up a flawless EP.

(LISTEN)

4.Wallflower - Summer Daze

Another fresh band blowing straight in, earned their ranking at second place as their four tracked EP was an instant winner. 

Packed with a Basement emo vibe, the quintet produce earnest music which is dominant in melodic value, keeping clean vocals that match their overall tone.

What really grips me to this band was their outstanding ability to produce such professional sounding music at such a young stage. Wallflower are ones to watch out for in 2015, expect great things.

(LISTEN)

5. Bloody Knees - Stitches

Not known to many faces, Bloody Knees have to be one of them bands that you simply just cant get enough of. With the release of Stitches this year, the band have buried themselves with darker themes and punky riffs that capture a nostalgic feel, you find comforting. You need to see this band live to capture their justice, as their sound is projected profoundly. ‘Daydream’ and ‘Stitches’ are two banger tracks which are sure to grab your immediate attention, packed with Bradley’s captivating vocals and a rough swaying feel, Bloody Knees are sure to keep you moving.

(LISTEN)

6. Elegies - Elegies 

Another self titled EP banged out right at the very start of the year, another Sheffield locals, have made the top 10 with their fast cutting sent. ‘Exile’ and ‘Scars’ open and end the EP with each producing some of their finest work. A gracefully planted instrumental is layered in-between tracks to set the mood down, dropping in temperature before brought back up with howling screams that are matched with clean vibrations. From start to finish, this EP is sure to keep you on your toes, with their mastered sound taking a hold of your ear drums.

(LISTEN)

7.Water Canvas - At Least

A mixture of sounds are exposed with this EP, as the only way I can describe it is to be “a mixture of all the things I like.” Their sound is very ideal as for me they capture what a lot of current bands are doing but combining all elements into one track. Water Canvas have this mysterious sense when listening to them which gives you all kinds of reflexes that are calmingly enjoyable.

‘Memorial Drive’ is the first track on the EP, and without a doubt a favourite due its sentimental touch that leaves an implant on you.

(LISTEN)

8.Hopes - Wake Up

Brining you a non UK band, Hopes gain all the brownie points with me, from recreantly releasing their Wake Up EP, jam packed with five post-hardcore tracks that certainly do this modern world justice. The four-piece are smothered with layers of talent which are yet to be explored, as this EP is a gateway for their creative sound to be opened. Friction rubbed vocals are shouted onto of a solid build up of crashing sounds that make up each song to be distinct in flavour. A band and EP you don’t want to pass by.

(LISTEN)

9.Counting Days - The War of The Wolf

Surely an EP we have all been waiting for? Counting Days have lived up to their hype without even releasing any music, which just to happens to now follow it’s greatly repped reviews.

Packed with fast paced action, slugging riffs and breakdowns that make you want to loose your shit to, this EP really does hold everything for a heavier audience. Great things are expected from this band and with The War of The Wolf as living proof of this, it’s going to be hard to disappoint.

(LISTEN)

10.Acres- Solace

Finishing off the at number 10, where it started at the South Coast, Acres fill the slot with their enchanting melodic tune. 2014 has been a year of great EP’s which seem to have been thriving better than major albums, as Solace plays great tribute to the UK’s hardcore scene producing fresh grooves that are polished in vocal pitch, leaving no battered strain behind. Standing out from many other bands, Acres have adapted a clarion pressure to their music as both the vocals and instruments dominate each song, compliment the two, they work solemnly together.

(LISTEN)

Hopes - Wake up EP

The freshly picked punk, hardcore band Hopes from Liberec, Czech Republic have just released a brand new EP, Wake Up.

Building up their own established sound, the newly exposed band have created such a tight little collection of tracks which represent all their hard work.

Mastering a matured tone, ‘Step Out’ quickly introduces Wake Up to a new audience which then builds onto the second track, exploring highly texturised movements, embracing their influence of Terror and Stick To Your Guns. With their harden tone, the band do not sound new at all, as their sent is so concert that it screams experience. 

Hopes don’t waste their time by producing something mediocre, as each song proves its worthy with another. You are definitely woken up by now, as their riveting sound captures you in an instant, filled with melodic twists and bouncy beats that gets your blood pumping through your veins.

‘Friends’ unites the album to a close with a punk edgy that is filled with influential style rhythms, by combining these all to one close, it strengthens the song as part of a solid album that is a great credit to the current hardcore scene of new waves.

8.8/10

Grayscale - Mindless Minds (Mini EP)

From the recent release of Thoughts That Linger back in the spring of this year, The 90's emo band from London, Grayscale have also just released a mini EP today, titled Mindless Minds consisting of three small tracks.

Distinguishing a featured sound on their past EP, the alternative band have certainty progressed their talent into a liver, upbeat trio of tracks found within the mini snippet.

Maturing in such a small space of time, this small EP caters directly to a modern audiences whilst still holding down classic sounds, as it is essentially, a breath of fresh air.

Beginning with 'Waterloo Estate', there is a clear change in sound which is a delighted surprise as the track starts of clam and easing, with a sweet tingly guitar riff accompanied by a soft drum beat, right until it hits a stone and the whole song revers back to their previous clattering of noises.

Their music isn't the only quirky thing about them, as chosen title tracks 'If That's a Bible, Where's My Camera' and 'Bait' probe their funky music tune.
Closing this small chapter with a punkier pressure highlighted by the guitars, which regain our focus to Grayscale's classical noise.

With just three small songs, Mindless Minds firmly teases us to their re-vamped style, that shows great development in their craftsmanship as musicians. Can't wait for an actual record or full tracked EP from these guys!

8.9/10

Full Stream here

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

Creeper EP 2014

Now a lot of you may have not heard of Creeper, however you would be wrong. Featuring members from Our Time Down Here and Hand The Bastard these five talented mucissans make up a brand new band which goes by the name Creeper. Forming around early June this year Creeper have already released a small taster of music to indulge us into their energetic punk sound.

Released	19th June 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013/ 2014
Genre	Punk
Length	18:00
Origin	Southampton
Rating	10 / 10

You will be happy to hear that previous vocalist from OTDH, Will Gould is carrying on his role, penetrating a new sound into a new band. Going straight into vocals we are hit with a soft crisp voice, that soon gets added to a bashful encore of instruments picking up the pace with its catchy head bobbing beat.
We Had A Pact proves to be an excessive opener, as the thundering chorus catches you in high spirits while the bridge takes you down slowly into a peaceful guitar solo. The song takes you on a happy journey that ends similar to the chorus, keeping you gripped for more.

Gloom follows next, again marking their straight intro, the band bashes pure punk rhymes that get you moving instantly. The small breakdown of gang vocals echoing in the pre-chorus adds to the build up for the chorus to be as powerful as it is. You can definitely hear the previous mesh of the two bands shining through, however formulating their own twist to call themselves Creeper.

VCR is a song you can imagine yourself stage diving and going mad to. A distinct banger you would want to hear live. Gould takes a higher step in this song, changing his strain on words to produce such a strong and solid sound throughout. Packed with fury rifts and nonstop movement, this melody proves to be one of the highlights, exploring the bands craft.

With two more songs left Into The Black delves into the harsh textures of punk building up more speed and activity. An adrenaline rush hits you as you reach the end to a spectacular find. But it's not all over yet because the last song, Novena sets in with a soft strings of an acoustic guitar, playing a light melody that is joined by Gould's powerful voice, that peaks and turns in all different strains to produce harmonic pitches.
The constant juxtaposition in his voice creates such complex structures and tales that are being told, strengthening this song to be filled with mixed emotions right until the end where the full band accompany to construct a marvellous finale of unison.

Overall I can say that this has been one of the best EP's to come from 2014, as it caught me right away without a second listen, how I can't seem to STOP listening to it. 10/10 for everything, it works so well as an EP and there are no flaws to be explored as I just can't wait to hear more sounds.

If you can't get enough of them then why not catch them at their first ever show as a band this Friday 1st August at the Joiners Southampton?! Get your tickets for cheap here, very limited ones left!

                                            (You can download the EP free of charge here)

Grayscale EP release show @ Borderline 20.4.14

With the release of the 90's emo punk band Grayscale's EP: The Thoughts That Linger, a headline show followed down at the Borderline London.
Added to the list were three unique support bands, who were good friends of Grayscale.

First on were Thousand Photos Of You, who are a four piece pop punk/ hardcore band from Essex.
Supporting such a great line up, they proved to fit in with their alternating style of music, as elements of pop punk mixed with hardcore breakdowns, backed up my metalcore djent riffs and high screams. Combining similar genres together, TPOY certainty did prove to show a lot of diversity and talent, as each song differed from the last, producing hybrid styles of music.

Very unusual for a band to change so much within just one song, however it seemed to work with them as they polished each one off well, marking a clear difference to anyone else.

Following that lively performance was The Holiday Plan, a four piece rock band from London. Taking a nostalgic step back to the punk days of rock music, they certainly did look the part of an old school band with their music to match. Perfectly in line, The Holiday Plan produce similar styles to Blink-182 and Jimmy Eat World, with the catchy 4/4 beats.
Easy to bounce to and feel yourself go, The Holiday Plan put on a hectic bouncy performance, whilst busting out some old stage jokes, keeping both the crowd entertained as well as themselves. Really enjoying their set as their first impressions paid off, and won my ears to their new sound, a local band you should definitely consider seeing!




Lastly up to support was Richa, a four piece alternative emo rock band from London/ Brighton. Again unfamiliar with their style, the band got right into their set with an energetic outbreak of screams and movement. Not knowing what to expect, they instantly gained my attention with their trancy rhythms and quirky vocals.
Reminding me a lot of old underground rock, as well as vocal styles reaching various peaks, they expressed their genre through a rapid outbreak of movement, as the lead vocalist got so absorbed into the music, his passion screamed through.

Hard to compare them to any existing bands as they are so advanced in sound, Richa are a band you have to see live as their presence draws you into their music, giving you a much developed show to enjoy. Playing a series of slow to fast aggressive pace songs, each one gives a different vibe as there is a lot of variation to share among a large crowd.




As the night draws to a close the headlining band Grayscale begin to set up to play five special songs taken directly from their brand new EP: The Thoughts That Linger released the same day!
You can purchase it or stream online: here

Still unrecognized by a mass audience, Grayscale are pretty new to the scene, only forming around a year ago, they have arrived just at the right time as the emo punk scene is reaching its ultimate peak in the music industry.

Straight away we are blasted with new music, played especially for their EP launch.
A blend of new talent is present as their sad beautiful music hits your ears, you feel yourself not moving, but glued to their sound as it takes you into a trance.

In reminiscence of Balance and Composure and Basement, Grayscale make their mark alongside these big talent bands as they flow with the same atmosphere perfectly.

In a small venue, with a small intimate crowd with a dimly lit stage was the complete settings for a band like Grayscale to play in as it added to the whole vibe of the gig, giving off a real experience into their music.


The simple yet complexed mixture of slow guitar strums along the steady bass notes fit consummately with lead vocalist Miz's sharp voice.
Swimming Pool proved to stand out to me personally, as the cute little guitar intro which was carried out throughout the song kept me alert and aware, before an match up of two vocals came together moulded the song into a more upbeat polished sound.

As a whole the whole EP swam together in perfect unison as each song complimented the next, changing in pace and tone, to show off the many styles of talent in which Grayscale can display.

The whole line up was solid, as each band were placed in a considerable slot to build up tension for Grayscale, as each contained elements of the surrounding music, it was a swell night, so make sure you check all of the bands out to hear more music!
More photos from the night are found on facebook

Elegies - EP Review

Released	3rd March 2014
Recorded	2013
Genre	Melodic Hardcore
Length	17:00
Origin	SHEFFIELD
Rating	9 / 10

Sheffield's melodic hardcore band Elegies have just released their first ever self-titled EP, filled with five mind blowing tracks for you guys to demolish.

With the first release of "Scars", the band had already teased their fans into a long wait for what was next to follow. (Full review and song here) Captivating us with such a solid sound and new mixes, the news of an EP was more than demanding for us to have.

Starting the EP off with "Exile" a dominated guitar tune sets into play before briefly joined by the soft hits of the drums, before all pulled together with vocalists Thomas and Sam, swapping turns to make such a contrasting sound. Keeping the same rhythm throughout the song, but gradually slowing down to take a more hardcore path in the bridge, this song heightens its strength with the high guitar riff that soon gets cut off by the heavy corner the path has taken. Providing to show different tempos and structures, this song gives a brief overview of the bands turn and talent displayed, as it combines every single element in one beautifully composed piece. 

"Benjamin Huntsman" is a pure and solid defined instrumental art display. With no vocals, it sits with layers of tension building up with every note, gradually getting thicker and larger with content. Another easing song, it's simply just nice to lay back to and let your ears absorb it, as reminding me a lot of Heart In Hand and Northlane's instrumental work, Elegies have provided to add their own trademark sound to it, feeling nostalgic towards their work.

Straight into the next track, "Memento Mori" screams right in your face, plunging in with a heavy drop bass and guitar line that separate the pre-chorus perfectly. More of an angry song that you can just break out to, the bridge gives you a moments rest before all is returned, finishing the song in a violent manor.

Close to finishing "Family" proves to be my second favourite easily, mainly because of its catchy intro that has not left my head, or maybe just because of its overall complexity and intricate detail that has gotten into it. With a softer chorus which Thomas produces, it again matches Sam's cries perfectly, forever creating a double vision feeling. Breaking down into a typical hardcore style, the band have added a layer of pure solo guitar which adds to its detail and difference, divide it from most songs, with a finished scream.

Obviously finishing the EP off with "Scars" however they have revamped it to perfection, fully covering all grounds, a solid finish is exactly what they have mastered. Its clear intro sets pace for such a bouncy and high beat pace to follow, focusing highly on vocals, this song stresses it to the max, contrasting the two sounds against each other, works best here.

Now for an EP this was extremely brilliant as every single song flowed to the next, not repeating but showing a range of mesh sounds that collided together, creating a versatile and even finish. With only five songs released, it actually just makes you want to hear more of an album length as I could easily enjoy double the amount of time with their music. 

Highly recommend you give it a listen to for yourself and even download it as it's all free, or buy a hard copy for just £5 on their BANDCAMP

You can also catch the band on upcoming tours which include HIT THE DECK (Nottingham only)

ROAM - Head Down EP

The pop punk band originating from Eastbourne/ Brighton, Roam have recently released five magnificently composed songs to make up their mini album Head Down. (Listen to it here for free) Released on November 18th, the band are also set to play a few of these songs on their upcoming tour, supporting Neck Deep throughout January 2014, so make sure you grab a ticket as this tour will be the growth of Roam, and you don't want to miss out on all the fun.

Starting this mini album with a bang, "You Never Said" draws out attention to a catchy guitar riff which is then joined by the full bashment of the newly improved pop punk sound, playing a clear layer for vocalist Alex to sing on top of, the playful sounding lyrics that bounce back in motion.
For an opening song, it certainty does it job, as being familiar with Roam's previous work, we're already aware of their changing in irregular stanza length which corresponds to their constant changing rhythms. As towards the end of the song, it all comes together with the fully heard vocals reaching it's alternate peak before dropping right back down to a dip, which then repeats it's roller coaster journey in progressively changing to withhold a modern twist.

Next "Sticker Slap" wastes no time and gets straight into the lyrical base of the song, providing an even, steady head beat of music to lose yourself to, only being under two minutes in length this song is short yet sweet as a good intro starter.
Bringing back the famous intros, which Roam thrive best at, "Nothing In Return" proves to easily be my favorite, positioned halfway through this mini album the lyrics really got me at the first listen. An lirelatable song, put together with a heavy punk riff, the song does Roam justice, showing off their instrumental talent of meshing different chords together as well as highlighting their strong, solid vocals in which Alex Costello produces. Keeping that bright, uplifting atmosphere, an echoed crowd repeats the lyrics over and over again, ending the song as a community of people rather than just a solo finish, which is the overall joy felling you get when listening to Roam.

"Foresight" reminds us of the tenacious choruses they produce, being high in volume, it certainly gets the crowd spinning. Adding both Alex's together to form a much synced chanting bridge, Roam trademark their music with a beautiful sound of solidarity, sets them apart from any other modern pop punk band.

Lastly we have "Head Rush" which really does make your head rush, ironically in a good way, you will find yourself if not already completely dissolve in their music, feeling your self sing along with their easy to pick up beats and finger pointing lyrical, Roam completely destroy this mini album by ending it with Head Rush. Providing to be another enduring contestant, they have perfectly put their own ever changing twist throughout each song, marking it with a clear difference, that tells you striaght away that this is Roam you're hearing.
Blasting everything they have left, Roam let everything lose when it all comes to an end, repeating the much memorable lyric over and over again, you are forced to implant it in your head, never forgetting their fetching vibration.

Overall, I can not wait to hear a full album by then, as a sample of whats to expect has already blown me away, I can safely say that Roam are the new pop punk band to look out for, being a slight underdog in their under recognized talent, it won't be soon till they'll be hitting the road on a full UK headline tour.
Having being privileged enough to see them live, I can say that what you hear on record isn't half as good as what you will feel when they are stood in front of you in a room filled with people who present the same ears you have, as they give a full performance, involving everyone. Being a band who can actually live up to their advanced skilled talent, Roam know how to put on a performance live as well as from your phone/laptop.

Make sure you check out their album release show MONDAY 9TH, £3 entry, Eastbourne. For tickets go: tickets