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
The band has drawn comparisons to the likes of Muse, Don Broco, and Biffy Clyro with their sound, references easy to understand as EP opener Caged instantly demands and commands attention; Lower Than Atlantis coming to mind too. As a blurred background assembles, a wiry hook taunts; its intriguing bait soon joined by the potent tones of vocalist/guitarist Claire Sutton. In no time it all comes to a focus driven by the fiercely punchy beats of Sean Ivens. That initial hook still makes a rich lure, even as just as tasty riffs and chords between Sutton and fellow guitarist Jake Willcock collude. By this time Sutton’s voice is seizing a fair share of attention, her tones swiftly impressive alongside that lingering and still deliciously grouchy hook. The track is superb, a mighty way to kick things off and for personal tastes never equalled across the remainder of the highly enjoyable release.
Fusing garage punk and punk rock with fifties rock ‘n’ roll, the Dirty Jane sound prowls ears and psyche like a fusion of The Cramps, The Phantom, Dick Venom and The Terrortones, and Eighteen Nightmares At the Lux; a creative breed of temptation which instantly has ears and appetite inflamed as the single sonically and vocally shatters the silence. Within another breath, rhythms are prowling the senses with a lively almost predacious gait casting catchy menace for Brown to vocally embrace. With insatiable hooks equally grabbing ears all along his guitar’s swarthy grooves, a delicious grumble to Beadsmore’s bass alongside, and the whole of the band courting thick involvement with their vocal roars, the song demands lusty participation, Morris’ tenaciously swinging beats extra incentive.
