*monochrome* (yes the asterisks are an important part of the title) is the latest EP by Southampton quintet, Reawaken. The EP is short and sweet with only four tracks but it’s packed with plenty of power across it’s short runtime.
The EP kicks off with Don’t Run. Grinding guitars give way to that opening wailing vocal which very quickly introduces you to one of this bands key elements. The vocal abilities of singer Meg Parkinson shine throughout the record. The whole track is a fully qualified rock banger with killer choruses and a steady base that pushes it through. A great start for sure!
Next comes Black Tears, carrying us to the halfway point. A soft opening that once again showcases the vocals, think Christina Aguilera in a heavy rock band and you get an idea of what’s going on here. The riffing across the track helps support those vocals with some great little parts all over the track. The solo on the track comes through and at first slows things down before breaking into a faster second section, maintaining musicality despite it’s speed. A stop and some harmonies and we’re back in to the chorus and then onto a big finish.
C.R.A.W.L. occupies the 3rd track position and for me this is the track where you realise just how much weight the instruments are pulling on this EP. From that lurching opening to the quietened down verse with the drums hammering out an almost tribal rhythm and the bass locking in tight over top. The track is almost reminiscent of bands like Skunk Anansie at it’s choruses but the band is putting in something extra of their own. Little changes and attention to detail keep the track fresh to its end.
The release is closed with I’m Gone. At its start it’s the quietest, most melancholic track of the EP. The chorus comes in and it’s still quiet but enchanting, drawing you in closer to the speaker when the drums kick in and the guitars dirty up a little. The band keeps on building the tension. At every moment they could have just pushed over the edge they keep holding a little back, making for an even bigger impact when they finally rip into full gear. It’s without a doubt the most powerful track on the EP. It’s not the showiest or the most technical track of the EP, it’s just a band taking a song and crafting it to perfection and serving it. A song that you instantly want to hear live.
Fans of Halestorm, Evanescence and other bands with a similar dynamic are sure to love this EP. It comes out on October 5th and is sure to be a hit with the bands current fans as well as the fans it’s sure to draw in!