Detours, a six-piece melodic metalcore band from Lowestoft released their debut EP earlier this week. The EP Our Promise was recorded at Foxhound studios who in the past have recorded bands like Empires Fade and City of Lights. Our Promise was in production for over a year before it was released this week; however the wait was definitely worth it…
The first track on the EP is Vivca, setting a very heavy tone resembling their influences Architects. The guitar in particular has a distorted and dirty rhythm but melodic, clean lead. This track establishes a presence which continues throughout the EP making it impossible to ignore, even if you tried.
Force Fed The Truth is slightly lighter than the first song but just as powerful. With the other instruments being toned down the lyrics’ message comes across much easier. There is a nice change in tone between the first and second songs, before coming back heavier again for Ashes. I’d suggest the song Ashes to Of Mice And Men fans since the technique of mixing both heavy and clean vocals has been used by both bands creating similar sounding vocals.
The penultimate song Balance showcases the extent of Detours’ guitarists’ talents. Unlike most bands Detours’ consists of three guitarists; Josh Kettless, Chae Steen and Ashley Spooner which many people, including myself, may have been sceptical about, worried this may lead to the music sounding messy. Balance proves I was completely wrong, the guitar sounding incredibly intricate and detailed.
Our Promise concludes with Rebuild which was released a few weeks ago with an awesome music video. This song ends the EP very satisfyingly with piano and some awesome guitar riffs.
Detours have been influenced by bands such as Architects and Erra. I would suggest their music to any fans of said bands or anyone who likes Of Mice and Men or Crown the Empire.
The band will be showcasing songs from Our Promise when supporting Our Hollow Our Home in Norwich next month alongside Thrones and Three Kingdoms. Although this may have been the first we have heard from Detours it definitely won’t be the last.