Viewing entries tagged
Post-Hardcore

Seek Harbour - Far From Home - EP Review

Seek Harbour - Far From Home - EP Review

Seek Harbour - Far From Home - Independent

Track List:

  1. Dagger Like Eyes

  2. Wolves

  3. Far From Home

  4. TY (FBMH)

One of my favorite parts of being an independent music outlet is finding and being introduced to new bands in the scene. I'm sure many think that with the internet, how could you not easily find every band that makes music you like? But it happens, and sometimes it happens because there are separate scenes in other countries. That's where Seek Harbour comes in. Seek Harbour will release the entirety of their debut EP, 'Far From Home,' independently on Friday, April 8th.

Seek Harbour are a post-hardcore band from Kent, located in the UK. But it's probably a little too easy to say they're "post-hardcore," as Seek Harbour adds a few genres to the mix, including some pop-punk sensibilities and hardcore-style screamed vocals in their dual-vocalist band. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating and exciting combination, primarily because the band has a sturdy melodic post-hardcore backbone.

The band has been releasing tracks from the debut 'Far From Home' EP since 2021 but will culminate with the emotional finale 'TY (FBMH),' which I believe stands for "Thank You (For Bringing Me Here)" on Friday. The song is very melodic and especially catchy in nature. The screams (or uncleans) are minimal, but the passion is still at the forefront. This is often the way Seek Harbour handles the song structures in 'Far From Home.' The instrumentation is often very clean. The singing and screaming switches are placed up front in the mix. Thankfully, they are not muddled in the production, which can often be the case in these genres.

Throughout the EP, Seek Harbour creates an intoxicating atmosphere that drives anticipation for what's coming next. The mix between singing and screaming is varied and keeps the listener's interest without becoming stagnant. The instrumentation follows precisely as needed by complimenting the atmosphere and adding the appropriate flair. For a debut EP, 'Far From Home' certainly doesn't show it.

Even though the debut EP is relatively short. At four tracks totaling nearly fourteen minutes, Seek Harbour has made a cohesive EP saturated with so much passion and emotion that repeat listens aren't just demanded; they're needed. So make sure 'Far From Home' and Seek Harbour are on your radar this Friday and in the future.

The Plot In You - Swan Song - Album Review

The Plot In You - Swan Song - Album Review

The Plot In You - Swan Song - Fearless Records

Track List:

  1. Letters To A Dead Friend

  2. Fall Again

  3. Face Me

  4. Too Far Gone

  5. Paradigm

  6. Both To Blame

  7. Too Heavy

  8. Enemy

  9. Whole Without Me

  10. Freed

When I spoke about Landon Tewers last (and before that, too), I reviewed his previous solo release, 'Frontal Lobe Submission.' I started the last couple of reviews by saying, "This is Landon Tewers, not The Plot In You." Now though, I finally came to the conclusion that there's no separation. Landon IS The Plot In You as much as he's a multidimensional solo artist. 

This is as evident as ever, even in the beginning of the journey through 'Swan Song,' the fifth full-length album from Landon and The Plot In You. The opening track, aptly titled 'Letters To A Dead Friend,' sounds, for the first minute and a half, or so, like Landon's solo material. Another track, further along in the album, sounds familiar to his side-project Ai640. And you begin to realize that he's able to blend so many genres/projects/styles into a seamless tapestry that is undeniably ahead of the curve. Ahead of the curve and ahead of any of the current trends stagnating certain bands in scene music.

The album is undeniably dark. As I mentioned previously, the first track's title should give that away. In tune with that, a deeper dive into the lyrics will strike a chord few have the ability to in modern music. As the down-tuned guitars build anticipation and the raspy screams begin, Landon's haunting confessions of sorrow and self-reflection mentally shred you. This is often the case in each new track of the album. Landon expresses so much passion in gutwrenching stories of loss, separation, relationships with others, and relationships with himself that it's tough not to look inward and evaluate your own past experiences. Each track holds a specific weight and significance.          

In contrast to the album's lyrics, the instrumentation paints with a broader stroke. Electronics are used in unique and exciting ways that won't become tiring, overplayed, or cringe-inducing. More pop-inclined tracks sound in contrast to their lyrical content at times but don't sound forced or contrived. And then there are the "heavier" tracks that showcase dynamic mixes of melodic and angst-ridden singing and screaming. If you want to hear some of the better passionate and heartfelt screams in the scene, you'll find a multitude in 'Swan Song.' 

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Capstan - Separate - Album Review

Capstan - Separate - Album Review

Capstan - Separate - Fearless Records

Track List:

  1. pretext

  2. shades of us

  3. take my breath away noose

  4. alone (feat. shane told)

  5. blurred around the edges (feat. saxl rose)

  6. tongue-biter

  7. abandon

  8. shattered glass

  9. sway (feat. charlene joan)

  10. decline

When I look at the scene's landscape, especially in the category of post-hardcore bands, Capstan is still a relative mystery. And they're a mystery in a couple of ways. First, they've been making progressive post-hardcore for a while now, but they're still able to mix up their sound and keep you on your toes. Second, even though they're on a famous scene label, perhaps the most popular, at this time, they're still seemingly separate from the pack.

Perhaps, that's partly where the title of their sophomore full-length album title 'Separate' comes from. If so, it shows a band capable of deeper insight and self-awareness than many in a similar position. However, with 'Separate,' Capstan is in a challenging situation. Do they continue where EPs and their last full length (‘Restless Heart, Keep Running’) left off, championing melodic post-hardcore? Or do they add in some other popular genres and follow some of the current trends? The lure of that balance can be treacherous and has led many bands to tip the scale in sometimes unfavorable directions.

After listening to 'Separate,' though, Capstan has skillfully navigated those perils and come out the other side with another excellent addition to their discography. It has everything you want from the band, progressive and technical instrumentation, passionate screams, melodic singing, and great storytelling. But, they also stepped out of their comfort zone with a few tracks on 'Separate.' 'take my breath away noose' may be their most giant leap so far. The track sounds momentarily out of place, with a jazzy hook and pop feel. But instead of going full trend, the technical instrumentation is still there. It shows that the band has a ton of range available (and probably even more still to come).

But that isn't all. The choices to "separate" themselves from the pack can be heard in tracks like 'alone,' where the heaviness in the track is balanced throughout with a very catchy chorus. Still, when a clear opportunity for a "standard" breakdown appears, Capstan changes their sound up and falls into a beat instead. It'll be interesting to see how that track is played live, for sure. The band features a few artists as well to mix things up. First, Shane from Silverstein makes an appearance in the before-mentioned track. Later, Saxl Rose and Charlene Joan add their unique touch to their songs, differentiating and diversifying styles. All bringing something more to 'Separate.'

The point of music isn't to only find something "new" and latch on because it's...well, "new". But, when a band adds more dimensions to their sound and does it well, THAT'S when it's worth paying attention to. Capstan has continued to evolve as that band. They've always had a niche sound, but one that can consistently be expanded upon. The "heavy" is there. The melody is there. Every member is highly talented in their place in the band. Each has many moments to shine in 'Separate.' Capstan is a band that consistently impresses, and 'Separate' is another culmination of that talent that people should be paying attention to.

Website (Pre-Order/Order ‘Separate’)

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

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Wither Away - I Won't Find Hope In You - Album Review

Wither Away - I Won't Find Hope In You - Album Review

Wither Away - I Won’t Find Hope In You - Independent

Track List:

  1. April (Spring Is Coming)

  2. Kagune (Ruin Me)

  3. Shadow Form

  4. I Won’t Find Hope In You (Feat. Ricky Armellino of HAWK) - Single

  5. The Town Where Only I Am Missing

  6. Persona (Feat. Hotel Books)

  7. Dark Room

  8. Cherish Your Friends - Single

  9. Stigmatized

  10. Your Name.

After four years, Reading PA's Wither Away has returned with an ambitious follow-up to their debut EP. This time, they demand to be heard, and I recommend you listen. 

Right away, an interesting note when it comes to the visual representation of Wither Away, in most cases since the start of the band, a pagoda has been a strong structure utilized in their first singles to their debut EP 'The Words We Live By, The Actions We Don't Take.' But now, on the cover of 'I Won't Find Hope In You,' the pagoda is set ablaze. Is it now a symbol of the desecration of inner peace, the destruction of what we believe is valuable in this world, or destroying that part of you that was holding you back? 

It's challenging to put Wither Away into a musical category because they utilize multiple genres very well. At times, there are flashes of an emo-rock band, melodic post-hardcore, or even alternative rock. But what does it all really mean? Really, it means they're comfortable making whatever music they want, and it shows in IWFHIY. From the instrumentation moving from melodic to aggressive to the clean (singing) vocals to out of nowhere uncleans (screams), Wither Away keeps you on your toes and, more importantly, keeps your attention. JJ's vocals are strong while showing weakness in the storyline while weaving multiple vocal disciplines into a cohesive story. The instrumentation is dynamic, drives when needed, and creates an atmosphere integral to making that comprehension through the album.

Tracks range from discussions, almost conversations asking questions of depression, religion, and does belonging even exist? The fourth wall is even broken in the track 'I Won't Find Hope In You' as you're told, "I wish that I was only writing lyrics when I said that I don't like having fun. Depressed but now I see there's beauty in this melody". I recommend listening to the album while reading the lyrics to capture any nuances that may have been missed.

In the track' Stigmatized,' JJ repeats lines towards the end of the track with the solo backing of guitar-only in a melodic fashion. More instruments join in, and JJ's vocals become more pleading and emotional. He screams, "You're dead to me," his last line and almost every other band would kick everything into high gear to either restart the chorus or get one more semi-breakdown squeezed in, but Wither Away doesn't, and instead, play out more melodically and calm. That's confidence in one's musical direction. 

That's one of the keys to IWFHIY, confidence. In every facet, Wither Away has made an engrossing album built like the pagoda with confidence. Confidence in their musical ability to draw you in, keep you on your toes, create an atmosphere, and tell a compelling story.

Not only did Ricky Armellino (HAWK, Ice Nine Kills) mix and produce the album (a fantastic job of keeping tone and ambiance), but he also added his featuring abilities, as did Hotel Books. Both features add an extra layer to the dynamics of IWFHIY and fit in nicely. The only things that ever felt out of place were small autotuned pop flourishes in the final track 'Your Name.'. It's nothing that would ruin the track; it just feels out of place with the tone of the rest of the album.

I have been a fan of Wither Away since their debut EP, but they added another dimension to their abilities with 'I Won't Find Hope In You.' The album's flow is precise, layered, and the balance of singing and screaming is unrivaled. You'll never feel like you're worn out or following the same template set by others. The band has genuinely made something personal of their own and shared it with an audience.

Wither Away has done anything but, with their new full-length release, 'I Won't Find Hope In You.' Make sure you listen and support them. 

Website (Pre-Order/Order ‘I Won’t Find Hope In You’)

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Music Links

Softspoken - Where The Heart Belongs - EP Review

Softspoken - Where The Heart Belongs - EP Review

Softspoken - Where the Heart Belongs - EP - Independent

Track List:

  1. Sleight of Hand

  2. Bones

  3. Where the Heart Belongs (featuring Alexia Rodriguez of Eyes Set To Kill)

  4. Realign

  5. The Road

One of the scene's current trends is for bands to go in a more "pop" direction by taking out or reducing unclean/screaming vocals or adding electronics. One band shaking that notion and forging their path is the band Softspoken out of Kentucky. With their new EP 'Where the Heart Belongs,' Softspoken joins a much smaller group of bands that have added a sense of aggression to their already melodic post-hardcore sound.

Softspoken has always had the melodic part of their post-hardcore style down with previous releases' Pathways' and 'Deaf Perception.' 'Where the Heart Belongs' is no different in that aspect. 'Sleight of Hand' was the first single released back in 2020, and right from the downbeat, you might think you're in for something different. By the second verse, the unclean (screaming) vocals rip through, and you KNOW this is going to be something different from previous iterations. The back and forth between unclean and clean (singing) vocals are balanced very well, and nothing comes off as overwhelming or cliche. 

The EP continues this tradition with some semi-progressive instrumentation, fun riffs, and passionate vocals. From the beginning, Softspoken creates an atmosphere of anticipation that compels you to continue listening all the way through while finding even more moments of connection. There are plenty of times where you'll find yourself singing along with the thoughtful and catchy lyrics and then simultaneously bobbing your head to a catchy beat or banging your head to a drop/breakdown. It's a collection of music that demands multiple listens to pick up on everything you may miss the first time around.

In another unique move in the scene, Softspoken has made the EP available for purchase now while releasing tracks monthly to streaming sites. It's a novel idea, especially since bands' direction seems to focus on only single releases without an EP or album follow-up. It allows fans to support Softspoken and enjoy the entire EP's story or wait for the releases over time. 

For anyone missing the early incarnation of the 'Slaves' sound, Softspoken continues the tradition of passionate and melodic post-hardcore while making it their own. Front to back, 'Where the Heart Belongs' showcases Softspoken's range. Even though the band has released two full-length albums previously, this third release shows that "maturity" doesn't have to mean "stale." There are so much talent and potential in Softspoken, and it's exciting to imagine what could come next. Keep your ears open because you won't want to miss it.

Website (Pick up ‘Where the Heart Belongs’)

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

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A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - Album Review

A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - Album Review

A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - We Are Triumphant

Track List:

  1. Pink Dawn (intro)

  2. Eastern Lights

  3. Telephone

  4. Bloom (feat. JT Cavey of Erra)

  5. Poison

  6. Midnight Eyes (interlude)

  7. Deja Vu (feat. Mattéo Gelsomino of Novelists + Sal3m)

  8. Death Effect (feat. Brian Wille of Currents)

  9. Dissolve (feat. Booka Nile of Make Them Suffer)

  10. Aquamarine

Just shy of three years, A Scent Like Wolves return with their sophomore album 'Mystic Auras,' but does it run with the pack or lead the hunt?

Hailing from Reading, a small town in PA, A Scent Like Wolves (ASLW) have continually refined and molded their sound since their debut full length, 'And The Story Goes' in 2013. 'Mystic Auras' continues that tradition with mixtures of post-hardcore, metalcore, and progressive metalcore elements. Not only that, they're one of the few remaining pure dual vocalist bands in the scene. That means 'Mystic Auras' showcases intertwining clean and unclean (singing and screaming) vocal performances from brothers Al and Nick. From soaring highs to bellowing screams, there's plenty of diversity throughout 'Mystic Auras.'

ASLW has always been good at setting the mood in their music, and this is no different, but it's accomplished differently than in their previous material. Each track sounds different from the last while still feeling like ASLW. The musical arrangements vary, not allowing the listener to become bored, while catchy choruses and driving instrumentation keep constant interest in what's coming next. 

A unique trait of 'Mystic Auras' is the willingness to diversify and emphasize features from the scene. Utilizing features is often a missed opportunity in post-hardcore and metalcore. Unlike pop, hip-hop, and other genres, features are used sparingly, but that's not the case with ASLW. Out of the ten tracks, four have features. That's 40%! Easy math even I can do! 'Mystic Auras' boasts features from some heavy hitters from ERRA, Novelists, Currents, and Make Them Suffer! That's an impressive lineup, and each makes an impact and adds an extra layer to their track. 'Dissolve,' which features Booka from Make Them Suffer, is worth an additional note as it's the first almost ballad-style music ASLW has attempted. It certainly pays off (minus a little shoe-horning at the beginning (😜).

My only minute gripe with 'Mystic Auras' is that out of ten tracks, two of them are an intro and interlude (that's 20%). Really, it's only because ASLW always leaves you wanting more. More dual-vocals, more driving instruments, more heavy-melody. It's cliche, but you want even more of the story.

One of the best parts of ASLW when listening to 'Mystic Auras' is the feeling that they're making the music they want to make. Their music feels like the identity they want, and sometimes, that can be rare in a scene of trend followers. Even though they're very good at mixing genres, you don't feel like it's overwhelming or forced. It's a natural progression of the journey they've been on for almost ten years. In that way, they'll always be leading their own pack with 'Mystic Auras.'

Make sure to support A Scent Like Wolves by pre-ordering ‘Mystic Auras’ and following/listening at these links:

Website

Bandcamp

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

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HAWK - Tolerance's Paradox - EP Review

HAWK - Tolerance's Paradox - EP Review

HAWK - Tolerance's Paradox - EP - Independent

Track List:

  1. CLVRMFKR

  2. Mileage (1st Single)

  3. King With No Survivors

  4. Alibi (3rd Single)

  5. Counter Ops (2nd Single)

  6. Universes

HAWK's debut EP 'Tolerance's Paradox' is undoubtedly no paper tiger.

December can often be a strange time to release music, and with a global pandemic to boot, this December could be the most bizarre yet. In our music scene, one thing that has always baffled me about November and December is that many people already have their "best of the year" lists completed. Nothing is ever in concrete, I'm sure, but every year there's bound to be a surprise release that, for lack of a better cliche, comes out of nowhere. This December is no different as HAWK releases their debut EP 'Tolerance's Paradox' TODAY!

For anyone unfamiliar with HAWK or want some backstory, HAWK is the "evolution" of This Or The Apocalypse (TOTA). "Evolution" is in quotes because HAWK seems to be the manifestation of a band that learned many lessons over its' four full-length album career. After many labels, personnel changes, and sound changes, HAWK has emerged with no label, two original members (Ricky Armellino and Jack Esbenshade), and their debut EP of catchy, post-hardcore/alternative tracks, one of the most exciting and unique of 2020. 

(PS - Drawing a blank? You may have seen Ricky playing guitar and singing back-up for Ice Nine Kills in recent years) 

Even the EP's title, 'Tolerance's Paradox,' is thought-provoking. Knowing the lead vocalist Ricky Armellino, it could mean any number of things:

  1. Is it a play off of philosopher Karl Popper's paradox of tolerance, which, to paraphrase, is the concept that to be a tolerant society, you must be intolerant to intolerance?

  2. Is Tolerance a person's name, and they have a paradox?

  3. Is it just a cool title?

  4. Insert more ridiculousness here.

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that I think it's the first one, and not necessarily because it seems intellectual, but because the saying is often applied to a political climate, and more than one track in this release can be interpreted as political. At least one track (Track 5 - Counter Ops) is blatant in its political message of insurgency. But that's not all the release is, nor should you be "turned off" by music that may have a political statement. Come on; this has Ricky screaming and singing. How can you go wrong?

Each track is uniquely it's own. Today's scene bands may make a "heavy" album that gets them popularity and then completely switch to a "softer" genre on their next release, but this isn't what HAWK has done here. They've mixed genres but made each track so different from the next while still being HAWK. That's not an easy feat to accomplish, especially for a band going through a brand revamp. HAWK's strength comes from mood changes, turn of phrases, and dynamic shifts, while still being cohesive. Each song is catchy in different ways, which keeps the listener interested in a very dense and congested scene. Even the three singles released previously (Mileage, Counter Ops, and Alibi) are tracks you won't want to skip while listening to the entire experience.

From an almost spoken-word opening with a bleeped-out expletive to a Dayseeker-esque closer, 'Tolerance's Paradox' keeps you captivated from front to back and is the perfect introduction to new fans and fans that loved TOTA alike. One thing I can say for sure, 2020 might have been a shit year (for many reasons), but as far as music goes, with the addition of 'Tolerance's Paradox,' 2020 is ending the right way, and the future is nothing but bright.

Make sure to support HAWK in all they do by following the links below:

HAWK - Website

HAWK - Facebook

HAWK - Spotify

HAWK - Instagram

HAWK - Twitter

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Tigerwine - Nothing Is For You - Review

Tigerwine - Nothing Is For You - Review

Tigerwine - Nothing Is For You - Tooth & Nail Records

  1. Anteroom

  2. Technicolor Yawn

  3. Scarecrow

  4. Black Water

  5. Salt

  6. Wigwam

  7. Word Hoard

  8. Hiss At The Sun

  9. Nothing Is For You

  10. Complete

It’s been slightly more than three years since Tigerwine released their debut full-length album ‘Die With Your Tongue Out’ (Blood & Ink Records) and now in 2020, they’ve returned on a new label, but with that familiar Tigerwine sound.

But, not familiar as in, “the same album” again. Definitely not. Tigerwine has embarked on something new, yet familiar. It might sound cliche, but I think you’ll understand when you listen through. There’s no official intro to Tigerwine’s sophomore full-length release ‘Nothing Is For You’, but like many of the songs on the album, there’s a built-in intro to the first track Anteroom. It lures you in with reverberation and repeating guitar picking, which leads to...old-school feedback and distortion! It’s time for some rock! 

Hayden’s voice hasn’t skipped a beat since DWYTO. Haunting at times, delicate at others, and harsh when screaming certain notes. You can hear the passion intensify as songs build (see ‘Scarecrow’ for example). Maybe it’s just me, but the production and instruments feel like I’m in a small bar or club seeing a local rock band play their hearts out. Even though the album can be relatively atmospheric or possibly noise rock-y at times, there’s a rawness the band captures that’s often lost in today’s scene. 

Another topic of note, unlike many bands in the scene, Tigerwine take their time creating an atmosphere for their songs. Nothing seems rushed. Each track is over 3 minutes with many in the 5-minute range, the longest at 6:35. No interludes, or stand-alone intro and outro tracks. You get your breath in the lead-up and then it’s off to the races. In the track ‘Wigwam’, a little more than halfway through, the vocals float away, leaving the mood to settle into drums, guitar, and feedback. The vocals return after the desired effect has taken hold. That tone plays throughout the entirety of ‘Nothing Is For You’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tigerwine’s sophomore offering doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. While keeping elements of DWYTO, They have only added to what they’re capable of in ‘Nothing Is For You’. Less screaming doesn’t mean the element of heaviness has left, it’s just now presented in a different style. This is an album to lose yourself in, to imitate in your garage, or to take in a long and rainy drive with it as your soundtrack. Hopefully, this is only the start for Tigerwine. 

You can pre-order ‘Nothing Is For You’ following the links below. ‘Nothing Is For You’ comes out on Friday, May 1st, 2020 through Tooth & Nail Records.

Tigerwine - Facebook

Tigerwine - Twitter

Tigerwine - Instagram

Tigerwine - Store

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Ian Hates Boston Manor's 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood'

Ian Hates Boston Manor's 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood'

Boston Manor - Welcome To The Neighbourhood

Pure Noise Records

13 tracks (1 Interlude)

Pop-punk has been on an upswing for the last few years with mainstays and newcomers alike, but, whenever the scene goes through a revamped pop-punk cycle, the music can start to sound very similar. It becomes harder to differentiate yourself from the pack and “make your mark”. Luckily for all of us, there’s Blackpool’s Boston Manor.

Now, saying, Boston Manor, fits comfortably into only the pop-punk genre would be doing them a disservice. They’ve always been good at mixing genres like post-hardcore, pop-rock, and maybe even some emo, to form a really great amalgamation in the "pop-punk" scene. For more reference, you can always go back and listen to their breakthrough debut full-length, ‘Be Nothing’ out on Pure Noise Records. Of course, we’re not here to talk about ‘Be Nothing’ necessarily, but it serves as a great precursor to what ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ is.

And that brings us to ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’, the sophomore full-length release from Boston Manor, through Pure Noise Records. I have to admit, I have been looking forward to this album since I first heard ‘Be Nothing’ and saw the lads (I’ll use the British term, why not?) at a small, cluttered, art gallery playing alongside Rarity, Broadside, and Like Pacific. A great mix of post-hardcore, emo, and pop-punk all under one art-lined roof. It was my first experience of Boston Manor live, but it definitely won't be my last.

The album begins with the title track as the intro, but once you hear the ominous tone that’s set from the start, you realize the song is more of a warning than a welcome. Tone plays a big role in WTTN, often haunting intros lead to catchy choruses, with the appearance of some unclean vocals from time to time to keep the listener on their toes. There’s even the semblance of some breakdowns, although lighter than a metalcore band, they’ll no doubt get the crowds moving (see ‘Flowers In Your Dustbin’) if they weren't already.  

Throughout the album, Boston Manor keep you guessing as they weave in and out of bitterness and radio-friendly addictiveness. You’ll find yourself bouncing around and shaking your shoulders even though you know the lyrics aren’t necessarily for body-moving joy. But, that doesn’t seem to matter as you navigate through the album, because each track leads you deeper into this bouncy ominous world Boston Manor has created.

It might sound strange to some, but I often heard some The Amity Affliction-esque melodies in ‘Be Nothing’, so in WTTN, I’ll continue the strangeness and say that in certain tracks you can hear Marilyn Manson-esque and Bring Me The Horizon-esque melodies (see ‘Funeral Party’ for a prime example). Not exactly what you’d expect in a pop-punk album, but that’s what will keep Boston Manor relevant in a sea of the similar.

WTTN is fast paced at times, bold, catchy (of course), and it keeps your attention with the storyline it creates because, for one, it's different than anything you've heard. If your heart isn't out of your chest by the final track it certainly will be as the semi-acoustic, epic sounding, 'The Day I Ruined Your Life' ends with a chorus of repeating shouts of "The day that I ruin your life" to the final guitar pick.

In music, people often bring up that the second album for a band makes or break them. I don’t necessarily agree with that statement in all cases, but if it is true, then Boston Manor have cemented themselves as a must-hear band with ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’. It’s one of the most compelling “pop-punk” albums of 2018 and one that begs to be dissected over and over again, and at this time in music, that's the highest compliment you can achieve.