This Mourning After The Sleep
QnotQ Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
If youre averse to -core of any kind and Im not talking about videos featuring men with rather nasty snake bites This Mourning After arent likely to appeal to you. If, however, you do like your hardcore, The Sleep is likely to get you as excited as watching a video of men with rather nasty snake bites. That is because this fine release features seven songs of most excellent emo-hardcore tinged with metal, and occasional post-rock touches. The bands heavier moments bring to mind any one of a number of the heavier modern hardcore acts, most notably Converge. These, however, are in the minority thanks to a wealth of quiter sections that remind me on numerous occasions of Japans emo gods Envy. Clean guitars, whispers and recitation all ring of American emo, and this is backed up by an angsty emotional sincerity that only living in Ipswich (UK) can inspire. Occasional instrumental interludes, one with piano, help fragment this further into a varied and always absorbing listen. There are plenty of disharmonies from the guitars, while the execution from most instruments is slightly loose yet emotive. The metal leanings are also welcome, more technical passages approaching Between The Buried And Me levels of coolness.
All of this is finished with a decent standard of production, and some excellent artwork. The Sleep is some of the most promising UK emo/hardcore Ive heard in quite a while, and This Mourning After are recommended for fans of the style. If you like your music more metallic than a leather and spike adorned Black Sabbath LP, coated in titanium, however, theyre less likely to float your boat.
7.5/10
Official This Mourning After Website
QnotQ Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
If youre averse to -core of any kind and Im not talking about videos featuring men with rather nasty snake bites This Mourning After arent likely to appeal to you. If, however, you do like your hardcore, The Sleep is likely to get you as excited as watching a video of men with rather nasty snake bites. That is because this fine release features seven songs of most excellent emo-hardcore tinged with metal, and occasional post-rock touches. The bands heavier moments bring to mind any one of a number of the heavier modern hardcore acts, most notably Converge. These, however, are in the minority thanks to a wealth of quiter sections that remind me on numerous occasions of Japans emo gods Envy. Clean guitars, whispers and recitation all ring of American emo, and this is backed up by an angsty emotional sincerity that only living in Ipswich (UK) can inspire. Occasional instrumental interludes, one with piano, help fragment this further into a varied and always absorbing listen. There are plenty of disharmonies from the guitars, while the execution from most instruments is slightly loose yet emotive. The metal leanings are also welcome, more technical passages approaching Between The Buried And Me levels of coolness.
All of this is finished with a decent standard of production, and some excellent artwork. The Sleep is some of the most promising UK emo/hardcore Ive heard in quite a while, and This Mourning After are recommended for fans of the style. If you like your music more metallic than a leather and spike adorned Black Sabbath LP, coated in titanium, however, theyre less likely to float your boat.
7.5/10
Official This Mourning After Website
