Being a band we have had a close ear on for a handful of years now, we can suggest that the Scout Killers sound has now all grown up as it fuels one sizeable treat in the shape of their new EP. Deception offers four tracks of infectious alternative rock with a snarl in their heart and imagination in their nature. It is easily the UK quintet’s most striking and accomplished proposal yet and the moment far bigger spotlights could wake up to their presence.
Previous single Rip Me Apart hinted at a coming of age of their sound last year but now is shown to have been just another step in the growth bursting out within Deception. Since emerging in 2009, Scout Killers has become an established and eagerly supported presence within the British underground scene. Nudging attention with their debut EP We Cage The Storm and making a stronger impact with their self-titled first album, the Bath based outfit has increasingly blossomed in creativity and reputation as a live proposition, sharing stages with the likes of Fearless Vampire Killers, The Computers, F.O.E.S, and No Devotion among many, and through further releases like the Stand Your Ground EP of 2014 and the previously mentioned impressive single.
Deception takes things to a whole new ball park on all levels, the release quickly gripping ears and stirring the imagination with opener Freak Show. A lone guitar melody winds itself around ears first, soon being joined by the rousing tones of vocalist Scott Cox and the imposing yet inviting beats of Chris Phillips. There is instant muscle in the rising sound of the song, tension in its vocal and sonic drama, all bound in an infectiousness which fuels the attack of the forceful web of sound. The dark hues of Tom Graham-Hibbs’ bass are a throbbing grounding to the fiery textures cast by guitarists Beau Stevens and Julien Morrez, the union of the five a theatre of craft and imagination.
The seriously impressing start is followed by the mellower air of Keep Telling Me Lies though it too has a tempestuous edge with gives bite to its riffs and emotion. Bouncy rhythms temper the melancholic hue of melodies, bass and vocals bringing their individual shadows to the plaintive voice of the song. A Pearl Jam meets Alter Bridge washes over ears though as its predecessor, the track emerges as something distinct to Scout Killers, an individuality which has also come alive more dramatically with the EP.
Let It All Go hits the plateau of the opener, melodies and rhythms coming together for a suggestive start which soon becomes a more imposing proposal as Cox’s vocals once more grip attention with some superb backing from others within the band. A slice of meaty rock ‘n’ roll with a controlled attack which adds to its weight, the song truly hits the spot before You Have It All brings things to an equally heady conclusion. The final track flirts with ears initially, a guitar teasing and coaxing before being quickly joined by the rapier swings of Phillips and the growling bait of Graham-Hibbs’ bass. As catchy as it is an intensive roar, the song twists and turns with a resourceful fluidity and craft, leaving on a senses scorching stomp of a finale which demands a swift dive back into the EP’s depths.
Like many others, we have has a soft spot for Scout Killers though after Deception it has just become a touch lustier, the EP a wake-up call for national attention and beyond.
The Deception EP is out across most online stores July 7th
http://www.scoutkillers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/scoutkillers/ https://twitter.com/scoutkillers
Pete RingMaster 05/07/2017
Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright
Its title track sets things in motion, a resonating bassline the first beckon soon joined by percussion with a sense of hunger to it as to the eager strokes of guitar soon joining in. The lively simmer becomes an energetic dance, the keys of Charlie Sehres a captivating bloom alongside the enterprise of his brother Jack and vocalist Cole Gann’s guitars. With rhythms just as boisterous in the stop start bounce and subsequent fiery waltz, the track simply infects ears and appetite for spicy rock ‘n’ roll.
Featuring former members of Heaven’s Basement and Endless Mile, Milton Keynes based Fragile Things have recently completed a host of dates alongside the excellent Slam Cartel and are now, as suggested, concentrating on breaking national exposure starting with Broken Sun, a proposal getting straight down to action with its opener Enemy Is I. With acidic riffs and robust rhythms, the song bounds in from a distance with vocalist Richie Hevanz leading the charge, his tones impressive and expressive. Once in full view, it settles into a feisty stroll with tangy grooves from Mark Hanlon lighting up crunchy beats and steely riffs, all subsequently entwined in fiery melodies. Group vocals are the rousing icing on the infectious enticement, the track not particularly surprising but richly satisfying to start things off.
Example 1 strides in next with its own web of grouchy riffs and sonic tempting, Bourgon again quickly impressing with his expressive delivery with the band backing him in potent vocal kind. As with its predecessor, there is something familiar to the song and sound yet mostly indefinable as it adds great spice to the fresh stomp lighting the senses. Certainly there is a touch of Tool to the track, but again a colour in the Dead Air Republic palette which becomes more dynamic and unpredictable with every inventive minute. Anthemic to the core, the song continues the already mighty presence of the release in ear and thought before making way for the darker drama of The Waves.
Recorded with producer Matt Hyde (Slipknot/Machine Head/Funeral For A Friend/Gallows), Yesterday Becomes Tomorrow quickly stirs up ears and an eager appetite with Death Of A Gift, its entrance of fuzzy guitar and brewing intensity a potent coaxing. In no time it is into a reserved but fiery stroll with the superb tones of McKenzie strongly impressing, as too the web of grooves and sonic endeavour escaping his guitar strings. Band inspirations include the likes of Biffy Clyro, Pearl Jam, and Alter Bridge, and fair to say in the opener alone you can feel those essences colouring the song’s inviting roar, but equally This Year’s Ghost casts its own identity in the rich melodies and vocal harmonies shaping the excellent drama of the song.