Members of Manchester's hardcore outfit Survival meld with one half of the Nai Harvest duo to create something altogether different, without skipping on the punchy bolts of either band.
This is a welcome release for anyone with an interest in UK's current crop of hardcore bands. Having shot to the forefront since their 2011 demo, Survival haven't exactly gone unnoticed; ravaging all day festivals and touring the US with Rotting Out.
Similarly, Nai Harvest; who found a solid crowd after 2013 album 'Whatever' have skated with increasing speed into the consciousness not only of emo and hardcore fans, but have also found themselves the apple of NME's eye, along with several other notable publications based on upcoming release 'Hold Open My Head'. These boys are breaking out right now.
So here we are in 2014, where word is out that Survival are working on their much anticipated first full length while Nai Harvest are wading in universal praise from their latest release. Perfect timing then for members of both bands to bang this absolute treat out. Welcome to the start of Headroom.
Producer Bob Cooper's presence is felt here; the man behind Hindsight's gigantic 2013 release 'The Thoughts That Weigh Me Down' repeats his knack for opening up a band's soundscape, making sure every pulse and tremor is felt.
4 songs deep, this record comes out of the ground with 'Outside' like a rocket for you to jump on and get lost in orbit with. The drums are crisp throughout, nudging the sleepy guitar tones along until they wake up with an imaginary landing. When the initial tormented twinkle of the intro quickly explodes, it's immediately clear what this collaboration of bands has that's worth sharing together.
The switch from muttered, hushed vocals to a breathless cry of Do you miss this? on 'Miss' may well take fans of The Smashing Pumpkins into an old dream world they haven't been sent to for a while; you can almost see the punctured heart in the mouth of the singer.
footage from their first show in Leeds
'Slung' comes closest to the sounds of Nai Harvest as the melodies jump from bouncing and blossoming to jarring and jagged. This stands out as the 'jolly' track, but you can make your own interpretation when you hear slung around your neck/ is a scar that's permanent.
Disguised as your new best friend/ don't ever love me like that, it's the same old trap. It's so excusable for your EP AND a song to share your band's name if you're putting out this level of mopey headbangers. Final track 'Headroom' has 'stage dive' written all over it. This is the sound of claustrophobia in wide open spaces, but it's never stifling and you'll want to revisit it's suffocated state over and over again.
Despite the strong following of its member's previous bands, this release had basically no fanfare before it was chucked online for free download; yet they're already about to head out on a UK tour with Citizen and Diamond Youth. Dates are below:
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