bolgy99
10/11/09, 05:36 AM
Capulet - We Won't Let Go
Record Label: Taperjean Records
Release Date: August 7, 2009
Taperjean Records is making a habit of finding some of the most exciting bands in Australia, particularly those with epic, soaring vocalists. Capulet prove to be yet another discovery, and their Taperjean debut EP We Won’t Let Go reveals the young Adelaide quintet as a promising, energetic force in the Australian alternative music scene.
A distinct guitar tone dances over crashing cymbals as ‘We Were Here’ introduces Capulet’s individual sound. The opener gives the initial impression that Capulet are a typical post-hardcore band. Do not be fooled. The aggressive introduction is quickly opposed with vocalist Tim Bartel’s stunning voice, which delivers in a similar range to Closure in Moscow’s Chris De Cinque. This may not seem fitting at first, but drummer Ben Ortmann orchestrates several changes of tempo throughout, making way for Bartel’s alluring vocals between passages of energetic hard rock, the combination of the two defining Capulet’s distinguishing sound.
We Won’t Let Go displays Capulet’s diversity in styles, as the second track, ‘Scratching The Walls’, sounds more similar to pop-punk with better musicians. This is by no means a bad thing, as the track is incredibly catchy and energetic, something which draws in a wider audience. The poppy vibe is incredibly infectious, whilst disguising Tom Hamilton’s constantly satisfying lead guitar riffs and a forceful drum beat, the driving forces behind Capulet.
Bartel’s vocals soar throughout ‘Iron In The Blood’, a strong track displaying both the appealing, upbeat formula with the intensity from the first track. Hamilton’s fingers wander throughout the song, displaying his tireless onslaught at its best. Just as you think the song is about to end, Capulet throw in another wave of catchy, poppy rock to finish, to fairly good effect. It is, however, the last two songs which make We Won’t Let Go the promising EP that it is.
‘Prosthetic’ delivers a deeper sound, with a drop in the guitar tone and persistent bass lines from Josh Hext to match Ortmann’s drumming. Lead guitar is weighted a little more evenly in this track, similarly is Bartel’s higher vocal range subdued. This doesn’t take away from the overall sound at all, rather making the riffing through the chorus and the higher vocals of more importance when they are present. As if Capulet found a balance whilst creating their EP, they show their songwriting maturing progressively throughout, and in the end producing captivating, epic rock without exposing all of their abilities at once.
We Won’t Let Go closes fittingly with Capulet’s most balanced, well written song, ‘Machines’. The song displays all that Capulet have to offer, all that they have showed in glimpses throughout the EP, all in one track. Bartel’s vocals range from high and powerful to dark and captivating, taking control of the song and controlling the tempo. As the song builds, the guitars become more prominent, but are also kept at bay when needed, showing the balanced songwriting Capulet have developed. The EP fades out with a satisfied piano and the band chanting its title.
Capulet have produced a solid release, blending poppy sensibilities with rock, whilst including epic vocals usually found in progressive post-hardcore. By somehow finding a balance in their sound, We Won’t Let Go proves to be a well-crafted EP which should be a sturdy stepping stone for their future.
Closure In Moscow, City Escape, Saosin, but a little more accessible
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/wearecapulet)
Record Label: Taperjean Records
Release Date: August 7, 2009
Taperjean Records is making a habit of finding some of the most exciting bands in Australia, particularly those with epic, soaring vocalists. Capulet prove to be yet another discovery, and their Taperjean debut EP We Won’t Let Go reveals the young Adelaide quintet as a promising, energetic force in the Australian alternative music scene.
A distinct guitar tone dances over crashing cymbals as ‘We Were Here’ introduces Capulet’s individual sound. The opener gives the initial impression that Capulet are a typical post-hardcore band. Do not be fooled. The aggressive introduction is quickly opposed with vocalist Tim Bartel’s stunning voice, which delivers in a similar range to Closure in Moscow’s Chris De Cinque. This may not seem fitting at first, but drummer Ben Ortmann orchestrates several changes of tempo throughout, making way for Bartel’s alluring vocals between passages of energetic hard rock, the combination of the two defining Capulet’s distinguishing sound.
We Won’t Let Go displays Capulet’s diversity in styles, as the second track, ‘Scratching The Walls’, sounds more similar to pop-punk with better musicians. This is by no means a bad thing, as the track is incredibly catchy and energetic, something which draws in a wider audience. The poppy vibe is incredibly infectious, whilst disguising Tom Hamilton’s constantly satisfying lead guitar riffs and a forceful drum beat, the driving forces behind Capulet.
Bartel’s vocals soar throughout ‘Iron In The Blood’, a strong track displaying both the appealing, upbeat formula with the intensity from the first track. Hamilton’s fingers wander throughout the song, displaying his tireless onslaught at its best. Just as you think the song is about to end, Capulet throw in another wave of catchy, poppy rock to finish, to fairly good effect. It is, however, the last two songs which make We Won’t Let Go the promising EP that it is.
‘Prosthetic’ delivers a deeper sound, with a drop in the guitar tone and persistent bass lines from Josh Hext to match Ortmann’s drumming. Lead guitar is weighted a little more evenly in this track, similarly is Bartel’s higher vocal range subdued. This doesn’t take away from the overall sound at all, rather making the riffing through the chorus and the higher vocals of more importance when they are present. As if Capulet found a balance whilst creating their EP, they show their songwriting maturing progressively throughout, and in the end producing captivating, epic rock without exposing all of their abilities at once.
We Won’t Let Go closes fittingly with Capulet’s most balanced, well written song, ‘Machines’. The song displays all that Capulet have to offer, all that they have showed in glimpses throughout the EP, all in one track. Bartel’s vocals range from high and powerful to dark and captivating, taking control of the song and controlling the tempo. As the song builds, the guitars become more prominent, but are also kept at bay when needed, showing the balanced songwriting Capulet have developed. The EP fades out with a satisfied piano and the band chanting its title.
Capulet have produced a solid release, blending poppy sensibilities with rock, whilst including epic vocals usually found in progressive post-hardcore. By somehow finding a balance in their sound, We Won’t Let Go proves to be a well-crafted EP which should be a sturdy stepping stone for their future.
Closure In Moscow, City Escape, Saosin, but a little more accessible
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/wearecapulet)