Castaway and Statutes – Split EP Release – Sounds Of The Midlands
Castaway and Statutes – East Midlands, England, United Kingdom.
Despite being lost at sea, Midlands boys Castaway are still making music, touring and combing life rafts with fellow midlanders, Statutes. Now, you may remember our work on Castaway from back in 2014 with their debut EP, Bleak, which can be found HERE if you fancy a read/listen and that oh so sweet ‘FREE/name your price’ price tag on the download.
The band’s marooned Punk/Grunge/Post-Hardcore-tinged shanties showed promise. And now that some time has elapsed, Castaway have managed to crack out three more tracks that, up until this review, I had ignored for the soul purpose of being able to immerse myself and react to them wholeheartedly. Despite having been sent the tracks early for reviewing purposes…
Deep.
Onward to Statutes now.
Another of the current wave of Melodic Hardcore that, in my opinion, is more Post-Hardcore orientated (not a bad thing if it’s done right), comes in the form of five-piece band, Statutes.
Fast. Brutal. Crushing. Melodic. Ambient. And in places chilled, these guys are far better than what a lot if people think Post-Hardcore is these days. Rant over… for now.
‘Formed from previous endeavours, new and old friendships and the love of similar and differing music; With the sole aim of writing music that we enjoy to play. We are Statutes.’
The Split EP release:
Statutes:
Starting off on the quiet game. ‘Good Luck Spycatcher’ is solemn, melodic and easy going on the instruments, with faded background vocals screamed in the distance. If you’re a fan of more progressive Punk/Metal, Post-Rock and Post-Metal, this song will prick your ears.
‘Incoherent Bond’ injects a small, but welcome shot of tempo. It isn’t as fast as some of the band’s other material, but certainly holds its own. The track carries an old-school Post-Hardcore vibe in its structure, with a more modern vocal approach over the top.
‘Character Assassin’ is a touch more upbeat in its guitar notes, yet still carries the intense slower beat the band have a knack for. I must admit, I had been hoping for some faster tracks on this release, but that being said, what has been recorded doesn’t disappoint. This particular track would suit a small underground venue a treat.
Castaway:
‘Hexes’ starts off with a slow grungey vibe and pace for its intro, before Jason Coy’s vocals erupt into their full and earthen tone. As far as contemporary Grunge tracks ago, the genre is making a solid underground comeback. The track’s guitar work and rhythms still show a tiny amount of Post-Hardcore influence, but its a quality that you have to listen out for.
‘Milk’. What can I say? Upon hearing it I immediately messaged the band with this:
Myself: Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk…
Castaway: Bit Unexpected?
Myself: I DONT KNOW WHO I AM?!
I won’t ramble too much, but I will say this, the track was conjured, penned, played and finalised in the space of ten of planet Earth’s minutes. Vocally, Coy’s voice is unleashed, while Matt, Dan and Reece hold it all down in a low, mid-fast tempo onslaught, creating a love child of Hardcore Punk and Grunge.
For the highlight of the track, initially I would have said the vocals but upon hitting the 1:35 mark Danny Taylor’s guitar takes no prisoners.
‘June 15’ returns us to the slower tempo compositions of the band. Another Grunge intro with simple, yet welcoming lead guitar. The final of Castaway’s tracks rumbles along in the same manner for a while, nothing new, but nothing bad.
At the 3:20 mark, the faded screams that were so enjoyable on the debut release are situated behind a looming/droning bassline and drumbeat, whilst a slow and whirling crescendo, along with sombre guitar notes play us out amidst heart felt cries of, ‘Love… Hurts’.
Split EPs often have weak elements or sub-par contributions. However, with these elite examples of the British underground, that is not the case.
If MF has tickled your fancy – or rather your eardrums – then the following links will provide much needed sustenance:
#StayFresh
