Impassioned and skilfully driven, the alternative rock bred sound running through Follow the Truth is an easily impressive proposition. The debut album from UK band Us Amongst The Rest, it contains twelve tracks which are ablaze with invention and emotive fire to spark a definite keen appetite for their creators. It is a curious affair though, in that it impresses and oozes enterprise on every level but lacks the indefinable spark to completely excite. To be fair there are tracks where it is easy to shout loud about their potency and thrilling presence but ultimately the album is more about the sizeable potential within it leading to an anticipation of big things for and from the band ahead.
Formed in 2012, the quartet from York is a maturely accomplished proposition through the previous exploits and experiences of its members and an obvious instinctive ability to write infectious and intelligently sculpted rock songs. Follow the Truth provides all the evidence needed to back up that claim, the album which was recorded with Sam and Joe Graves (Axewound, Glamour of the Kill, Asking Alexandria) at InnerSounds Studios, a collection of stylishly crafted and passionately paraded intriguing encounters. Lyrically its songs are themed by personal struggles and emotional conflicts and again this only adds to the undeniable emotive blaze at the heart of release and contents.
From its piano shaped atmospheric Intro, the album swiftly cages ears and imagination with Fields of Fray and its feisty blaze of thumping rhythms and aggressive riffs. It comes bound in an instantly engaging melodic enticement from guitarists Danny Beardmore and Dan Stockdale, resulting in a stirring entrance soon enhanced by the excellent and increasingly impressive vocals of bassist Karl Sandor. Once established the track settles in to a powerful stride of sonic and melodic tenacity, like a mix of Atreyu and Alterbridge with spicing from 30 Seconds to Mars and the band’s own inventive twists. It is a pleasing if unspectacular beginning to the album which is straight away reinforced by Love Is the Bull. Punctuated by the punchy beats of Paul Fernandez, the track supplies emotional flames over persuasive guitar and bass temptation to wrap ears and thoughts in provocative textures and expression. As the album in many ways, it is hard to announce real originality to the song but easy to announce the superb craft and melodic depths within it.
Bring the Fuel is another matter, a track to wax lyrical about with pumping energy and contagious enterprise uniting for an anthemic stomp lorded masterfully over by the voice of Sandor and the inventive adventure of the guitars. The 
singer’s bass exploits too find a heady virulence in their temptation matched by the crisp jabs of Fernandez. With essences of Avenged Sevenfold definitely spicing up the excellent track, it makes for the first pinnacle of the album and no surprise it has raised such interest and anticipation for the album as a single alone in a great many.
The track gives a tough task to follow for both Blood in Me and Angels, one which they provide strong offerings in reply. The first of the two is a pungent mix of scorching melodies and stabbing riffs resulting in a track which sways from seductive warmth to antagonistic intensity with seamless success whilst the second is a radiant power ballad confirming the vocal and individual skills of the band perfectly. As with many of the songs it does not startle but leaves a healthy appetite in place for the album and the band’s emerging diversity in songwriting and presence.
The excellent title track steps up next, it’s initial almost melancholic idle up to ears again a refreshing caress of vocal and melodic expression which leads to a richer and forceful sonic fire framed by probing rhythms. It is a slow burner of a song to some extent but another emerging as one of the album’s highlights before stepping aside for the less successful but enjoyable Silver & Lead. Expectations are not left hungry by the track but still fed a tasty slab of melodic metal which sparks only satisfaction which next up Horizons gives a spicier rewarding incitement to through its catchy grooves and dramatic heart bred tenacity.
Unforgettable similarly gets feet and ears swiftly on board if passions are left more reserved with its creative resourcefulness and vocal potency whilst Rise whips up another riveting anthem. Arguably the most inventive track on the album with its subtle vocal twists and entwining sonic threads, it is a tantalising proposition which as all tracks is drenched in the potential suggesting that the band will ascend to impressive heights ahead.
Completed by the very decent and pleasing Falling Skies, which also vocally features Sam Graves, Follow The Truth is undeniably an impressive and attention grabbing release which raises expectations and hopes for Us Amongst The Rest, something going by their first release you can see the band probably surpassing with relish and ease.
Follow The Truth is available now on Two Star Records @ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Follow-Truth-Us-Amongst-Rest/dp/B00MO2DSZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1412009363&sr=1-1&keywords=Us+Amongst+the+Rest
RingMaster 29/09/2014
