Honour Among None - The Art of Survival
Sevensixes Records - SEVSEX001 - 2006
By Philip Whitehouse
Ah, to be young again. Alright, so I'm only 22 (albeit at the absolute arse-end of that particular year in my existence), but still, I can feel it beginning. The onset of apathy. The slowing down of my metabolism. The dread descent into the state of mind that considers slippers a luxury item rather than a signifier of being 'past it'. However, advancing age has its benefits, too. A more methodical, considered approach to life becomes apparent. A more selective aesthetic.
The Art of Survival is most definitely an EP made by a young band. The Welsh sextet (geographically from the same neck of the woods as Lostprophets and Bullet For My Valentine - musically, over the valleys and far away) have an attention-grabbing energy, a juvenile immediacy, that initially overwhelms the critical faculties, their mash-up of modern metalcore, dual-vocal attack (one harsh and growly, the other alternative screamy and crooning), occasional proggy tendencies and machine-gun drumming catching the listener off guard.
However, after your heart stops racing, you begin to hear the chaoticism of the band's approach more clearly, and the flaws in the songwriting that it engenders present themselves more evidently. Sure, the guitarists are undeniably talented - the precise pinched harmonics and sporadic leads and solos show that quite clearly. The production is meaty and clear, too. However, there are still issues. The 6:19 length of third track 'Lost' begins to seem inadvisable a little over two minutes in as repetition sets in - the chorus is damned catchy, for sure, but when the song eventually changes tack (to a down-tempo, clean guitar, vocal harmony reprise of the chorus), it seems too little, too late. Intended radio single 'Face To Face' fares much better, sounding significantly more focused. In fact, the track kicks in with an impact like a fist to the nose, and doesn't relent throughout.
I suspect age will bring maturity to Honour Among None's songwriting - a clearer focus on the parts that work, and a greater willingness to jettison those that don't. There's promise here, but it's in its adolescence on The Art of Survival.
6/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Honour Among None's Official Website
Sevensixes Records' Official Website
Sevensixes Records - SEVSEX001 - 2006
By Philip Whitehouse
Ah, to be young again. Alright, so I'm only 22 (albeit at the absolute arse-end of that particular year in my existence), but still, I can feel it beginning. The onset of apathy. The slowing down of my metabolism. The dread descent into the state of mind that considers slippers a luxury item rather than a signifier of being 'past it'. However, advancing age has its benefits, too. A more methodical, considered approach to life becomes apparent. A more selective aesthetic.
The Art of Survival is most definitely an EP made by a young band. The Welsh sextet (geographically from the same neck of the woods as Lostprophets and Bullet For My Valentine - musically, over the valleys and far away) have an attention-grabbing energy, a juvenile immediacy, that initially overwhelms the critical faculties, their mash-up of modern metalcore, dual-vocal attack (one harsh and growly, the other alternative screamy and crooning), occasional proggy tendencies and machine-gun drumming catching the listener off guard.
However, after your heart stops racing, you begin to hear the chaoticism of the band's approach more clearly, and the flaws in the songwriting that it engenders present themselves more evidently. Sure, the guitarists are undeniably talented - the precise pinched harmonics and sporadic leads and solos show that quite clearly. The production is meaty and clear, too. However, there are still issues. The 6:19 length of third track 'Lost' begins to seem inadvisable a little over two minutes in as repetition sets in - the chorus is damned catchy, for sure, but when the song eventually changes tack (to a down-tempo, clean guitar, vocal harmony reprise of the chorus), it seems too little, too late. Intended radio single 'Face To Face' fares much better, sounding significantly more focused. In fact, the track kicks in with an impact like a fist to the nose, and doesn't relent throughout.
I suspect age will bring maturity to Honour Among None's songwriting - a clearer focus on the parts that work, and a greater willingness to jettison those that don't. There's promise here, but it's in its adolescence on The Art of Survival.
6/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Honour Among None's Official Website
Sevensixes Records' Official Website
