Rugby based post-hardcore outfit wars debut album has been making the rounds for the best part of a year now and it's ticking all the boxes for what I'm after! The midlander's EP And So The Sea Will Claim Us All was the perfect way to kick themselves into the ears of fans up and down the country and We Are Islands, After All is the perfect follow on.
First full-length's are a statement of intent in my eyes. They say, this is who we and what we stand for and what we expect from ourselves. Its the real start for a lot of bands and wars certainly have done that. Fierce and heartfelt together as one, the album treads a lot of personal subjects of rebuilding and self-determination. I was fortunate to catch them at Rock City, Nottingham in support of Create To Inspire earlier this year and instantly struck a chord with the guys, their sound and ambition.
I was really impressed with how the band expressed themselves lyrically in this release. Simple, to the point and with some really great hooks, there's a real intelligence in the writing here. Songs like opener The Art Of Not Knowing and the almost anthemic That By Discord Things Increase. This is as much the reason for their meteoric rise, too many bands who are good musically are let down by poor or ill thought lyrics, but not here. Guarantee you'll have picked up a hand full of great lines in the opening three songs.
And riffs, lets not forget riffs!! Just the right amount of groove to balance the dark, heavy rhythm that is consistent throughout, with strokes of technicality that remind me of a Hollow Crown era Architects. Throw this down with the melodic chorus' that have become somewhat of a trademark.
And riffs, lets not forget riffs!! Just the right amount of groove to balance the dark, heavy rhythm that is consistent throughout, with strokes of technicality that remind me of a Hollow Crown era Architects. Throw this down with the melodic chorus' that have become somewhat of a trademark.
Lastly, but certainly not least of all, it's always good to see up and coming bands collaborating with more established artists. The inclusion of guest spots from hardcore hard-nut Palm Reader's Josh McKeown is a great addition, and the inclusion of Hundred Reasons' Colin Doran and gives a different dimension to what is a top draw, back of the net debut for wars.
Debut's are never easy, how have the mad midlander's faired against their peers??
wars first full-length: 6/10
Top tracks: The Art Of Not Knowing, Still Waters Run Deep, Salt Flat Sailing ft. Josh Mckeown.
We Are Islands, After All was released January 27th 2017 via Spinefarm Records:
store.universalmusic.com/spinefarm/wars/
Debut's are never easy, how have the mad midlander's faired against their peers??
wars first full-length: 6/10
Top tracks: The Art Of Not Knowing, Still Waters Run Deep, Salt Flat Sailing ft. Josh Mckeown.
We Are Islands, After All was released January 27th 2017 via Spinefarm Records:
store.universalmusic.com/spinefarm/wars/
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