We can debate whether two tracks constitutes an EP or a single as in the ‘old days’ but what was easy to agree on at The RR is that To The Wind, the debut release from UK outfit Between The Lines, is one very enjoyable and blatantly contagious affair. Creating a mix of pop punk and alternative rock, the Bedfordshire based quintet has introduced themselves in fine energetic style.
Formed in 2017, Between The Lines soon inspired potent local and further afield support before earning shows alongside the likes of Better Than Never, The Young & Restless, SEASONS, and Reckless Intentions. There has been real energy to the emergence of the melodic punks which has been as infectious as the spirit in the two tracks which have attention locked, pleasure loaded, and the body bouncing within their debut.
To The Wind starts with its title track, a distant rhythmic heartbeat swiftly looming in with that seemingly instinctive spunkiness quickly being joined by an animated hook amidst lively riffs. Settling into its snappy stroll, the enticing vocals of Alex Lewis step forward with a delivery which reveals potent variety as the song continues. Driving the track, the beats of Tom Hogan nag and harry ears, inviting eager physical response as the guitars of Adam Brewster and Sam Burnage spin their web of melodic and spiky goodness. Perpetually cored by that flirtatious hook, the track leaves ears wanting little; certainly there is something strongly familiar about the track but it only adds to its vivacity as the band’s more individual potential hints.
Second song is Anywhere But Here and it too needs a mere breath to manipulate feet and attention as riffs and tenacious rhythms get to work. Whereas the bass of Lewis Wolton was sunk a touch too much into the mix of its predecessor for personal tastes, it is a throbbing lure at the forefront of the final song with his lines as inescapably virile as the rousing vocal roar and the urgency of the guitars. Punk rock unapologetically catchy and punchy with great zeal in its heart the song hit the spot with ease.
Being suggested for those with an appetite of bands such as Four Year Strong, Chunk! No Captain Chunk, and State Champs, Between The Lines is a band worthy of keeping a close ear upon especially if they can realise the promise of their excellent debut and fuel it with the uniqueness they are already giving glimpses of.
To The Wind is released July 6th digitally and on CD.
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Pete RingMaster 05/07/2018
Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright
The lively beats of drummer Jonathan Costa are another mighty lure within the song and similarly its successor Higher Powers. Making a far gentler entrance with an acoustic melody holding hands with a steely accomplice, the track soon flicks its own energised switch with riffs and rhythms tenaciously crowding around Couto’s voice. It is the sudden turns into calmer and in turn more boisterous eruptions which lifts an already pleasing proposal and though it lacks the final sparks of invention of its predecessor, which never relinquishes best track honours throughout the EP, it has the body bouncing and a swiftly growing appetite for the Ten Cents Short sound greedier.
The second song makes a bolder entrance, keeping its boisterous character going as it slips into a pop punk infused stroll with nagging riffs and eagerly prowling rhythms. Edmonds again impresses as great harmonies soar around him at times, it all gaining greater energy in the track’s rousing chorus which just tops the thrilling encounter perfectly before it hands ears over to the emotively shadowed and musically vibrant Miserable. Riffs and hooks have a bite to them, backed by the rapier swings of Dornan, which accentuates and gives greater character to the melodic endeavour surrounding them. With its predecessor, the song provides the pinnacle of the EP, though the ‘step down’ is barely noticeable as Art School manages to simultaneously croon with emotive flame while whipping up a feisty physical involvement. It might lack the extra spark of adventure of the previous pair, but in no time it tempts with throbbing riffs from bass and guitar amidst the contagious nature of hooks and group vocals, and a blaze of a chorus.
What inspired the band name?
It is not easy for any new band to make an impact regionally let alone nationally and further afield. How have you found it your neck of the woods? Are there the opportunities to make a mark if the drive is there for new bands?
The outstanding start is instantly matched and surpassed by Death of Me, a scuzzy epidemic of insatiable hooks and rhythms within a bruising sonic infection. Cavazos again leads the incendiary confrontation with an ear gripping delivery which is soaked in attitude and enterprise and backed by the equally potent tones of bassist Kyle Shimek. The latter’s string sculpting is just as imaginative and enticing too, offering a grouchy lure throughout but especially exploiting the passages of ‘relaxation’ to unveil the most predatory funk lines you will ever come across. As its predecessor, the song is high on adrenaline and ferocity, taking no prisoners lyrically and in its voracious presence.
sonic caresses to ears and air. With the vocals of Mark Steggall, ably backed by those of bassist Jack Morris at times, unveiling their narrative the song relaxes into an eager and firm companion, riffs keen to make an impression on the passions with fine invention whilst the rhythmic potency of song and band cage in the senses with a predacious intensity and hunger. The closing group calls are too predictable to truly work but they do not take away from a strong and pleasing start to the encounter.