New Jersey post hardcore group With Sails Ahead released their third EP Morning Sun on 9th March. There has been somewhat of a revival of 90s alternative rock as a sound recently and this EP fits into that category. The EP takes a lot of influence from 90s emo and post hardcore. Bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbreaker and Thursday all have their influences heard on this EP. While the EP doesn’t quite hit the heights of the aforementioned bands, it does showcase potential.
The way the vocals and guitars have almost duelling melodies means that this EP takes a few listens to get into. Once listened through a few times is when the more subtle hooks come through. Songs such as Always Clouded, Never Clear and Beesly have hooks hidden in guitar fills and the verses. It is these hooks which highlight the potential of this band. It is songs like Pixelated where a more intricate and precise hook would push the song to the next level. There is a point where the song dips and the vocals come to the forefront, before leading into a layered vocal style as the guitars come in. If this can be perfected on future releases then they will definitely be considered one of the better bands of this scene.
With Morning Sun, With Sails Ahead highlight the potential they have. Should these hooks become more prevalent and are nailed with even more precision on the next release then With Sails Ahead will certainly be close to the bar that was set with the best of the 90s.