the1
09/11/09, 03:29 PM
Deaf Havana - It's Called the Easy Life
Record Label: Wolf at Your Door
Release Date: December 13, 2008
As a band with zero search results here on AP.net, it would be fair to say that Deaf Havana aren't going to break in the U.S. any time soon. However, with their full length in the works, this, their second EP, has certainly set the groundwork for what could be an exhilarating ride for the Norfolk boys. With hype from U.K. bigwigs Metal Hammer and a reputation for being one of the bands to watch in 2010, it looks like this EP could indeed by a prophecy of what's to come, a career reflecting anything but the scenery of their hometown.
Following in the footsteps of many British Kerrang! darlings, It's Called The Easy Life is a beautiful cacophony of punk, post-hardcore and melodic rock calling to mind the urgency of Gallows and The Ghost of a Thousand, yet retaining the sing-along sensibilities of Chasing Safety-era Underoath and UK tour buddies Young Guns.
Indeed, throughout the six tracks, the band never lets up on the intensity. From the first note of "This Afternoon Was A Total Disaster," it's clear that Deaf Havana aren't to going to be going Unplugged anytime soon. Yet, as singer Ryan Mellor screams "I didn't play a single part in this," one could certainly be forgiven for thinking that Frank Carter did. And throughout the next five tracks, though consistent, one can't help but feel that Deaf Havana's influences are a little too sewn on their sleeves; in fact, "Sunny Side Up" could easily be a Gallows B-Side (albeit slightly more optimistic).
But good music never goes out of style, and this EP is nothing if not enjoyable. In particular, James Amadeus Veck-Gilodi's melodic choruses shine, and despite the scream-sing formula becoming somewhat of a scene cliche, it is pulled off with flawless excecution (and with no autotune or Crabcore nonsense!). By the time we reach highlight "The Tune Of ID (So She Doesn't Know It's About Her)," it's easy to forget about the lack of originality on display here, because having fun never required much thinking.
All in all,they may not be reinventing the wheel, but Deaf Havana have written a fun, energetic EP that's essentialy party music for a pissed-off generation, and in this time of unemployment, recession and Swine Flu, that's enough to satisfy this (amateur) reviewer.
Gallows, Ghost Of A Thousand, Alexisonfire, Young Guns, Flood Of Red
http://www.myspace.com/deafhavana
Record Label: Wolf at Your Door
Release Date: December 13, 2008
As a band with zero search results here on AP.net, it would be fair to say that Deaf Havana aren't going to break in the U.S. any time soon. However, with their full length in the works, this, their second EP, has certainly set the groundwork for what could be an exhilarating ride for the Norfolk boys. With hype from U.K. bigwigs Metal Hammer and a reputation for being one of the bands to watch in 2010, it looks like this EP could indeed by a prophecy of what's to come, a career reflecting anything but the scenery of their hometown.
Following in the footsteps of many British Kerrang! darlings, It's Called The Easy Life is a beautiful cacophony of punk, post-hardcore and melodic rock calling to mind the urgency of Gallows and The Ghost of a Thousand, yet retaining the sing-along sensibilities of Chasing Safety-era Underoath and UK tour buddies Young Guns.
Indeed, throughout the six tracks, the band never lets up on the intensity. From the first note of "This Afternoon Was A Total Disaster," it's clear that Deaf Havana aren't to going to be going Unplugged anytime soon. Yet, as singer Ryan Mellor screams "I didn't play a single part in this," one could certainly be forgiven for thinking that Frank Carter did. And throughout the next five tracks, though consistent, one can't help but feel that Deaf Havana's influences are a little too sewn on their sleeves; in fact, "Sunny Side Up" could easily be a Gallows B-Side (albeit slightly more optimistic).
But good music never goes out of style, and this EP is nothing if not enjoyable. In particular, James Amadeus Veck-Gilodi's melodic choruses shine, and despite the scream-sing formula becoming somewhat of a scene cliche, it is pulled off with flawless excecution (and with no autotune or Crabcore nonsense!). By the time we reach highlight "The Tune Of ID (So She Doesn't Know It's About Her)," it's easy to forget about the lack of originality on display here, because having fun never required much thinking.
All in all,they may not be reinventing the wheel, but Deaf Havana have written a fun, energetic EP that's essentialy party music for a pissed-off generation, and in this time of unemployment, recession and Swine Flu, that's enough to satisfy this (amateur) reviewer.
Gallows, Ghost Of A Thousand, Alexisonfire, Young Guns, Flood Of Red
http://www.myspace.com/deafhavana