Switchblade Rosie are one of the most aurally interesting things
I’ve heard in a while. This band takes inspiration from all over the place and isn't afraid to explore and experiment with their music, which is both a brave and respectable thing in music.
Their EP Nocturnal
Guest starts out with Piano and these almost soft rock vocals, which if you
had only seen the album art probably doesn’t match your expectations. However a
few moments the sound changes, we’re met with a fast drum pattern and heavy
guitars and soon some screamed vocals. Although it’s not as heavy, I’m
instantly reminded of Between the Buried and Me because of their ability to go
from straight deathcore to slower more jazzy stuff. I’m also reminded of
Crossfades' latest album which was very progressive metal inspired. This album
sound like something in between those two examples. It’s an interesting sound
swap that happens all throughout the album, and it definitely keeps you on your
toes.
Now I know vocals are something of a make it or break it for
many people, so I’ll start by saying the vocals are sung half the time and
screamed the other half, so if clean vocals aren’t really your thing you may not
enjoy this. The vocals are pretty good however, the clean vocals aren’t
auto-tuned and have an honest feel to them, the screams are generally mid-ranged
with the occasional low growl, but Chris definitely does a great job blending
and transitioning between clean and screamed.
The guitars do a rather great job all over the place.
Typically we get some great driving riffs with some interesting lead guitar
work thrown in, that seems a bit inspired by some of Obscura’s stuff to me. One
notable thing is the bass guitar, which has both presence and talent all
throughout. It’s generally always audible, and always doing something
interesting. the whole album is a pretty solid in this way. The rhythm guitars keep the pace along with some good backing from the
bass, and the lead guitar throws in a good solo here and there.
‘Gale Force Brutality’ is probably my favorite song on the
album, and easily the best drum wise. It’s got the craziest time changes, and the drums
keep pace so well; going from slower beats to full on blasting multiple times
throughout. Really interesting stuff!
There isn't a whole lot of atmosphere in the album, possibly because of the small amount of time. The songs don't try and fight each other though, they work together well to make a short album that flows pretty well.
Overall Switchblade Rosie have presented us with a really
interesting debut EP. There is no doubt these guys have talent. I would say,
that in the age of technical and digital perfection we are in, the production could
be a bit better, but I imagine these guys made this album out of their own
pocket and with that in mind it’s a very good sounding album. The album is also a bit short because it's only four tracks, but hey it's an EP. I would love to see what they could do on a full length though.These guys are
definitely a band to watch in the future, and I hope them the best.
Go like these guys on Facebook and give them a shout! http://www.facebook.com/switchbladerosie?sk=app_2405167945
And here's a song for you guys to hear:
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