Here Lies a Warning- ‘Frontiers’ (15/07/2012 Self Released)

     Here Lies a Warning are a five-piece Metal/Hardcore band from Fife, Scotland, who’ve been playing together since 2007. They formed because of a desire to get their music heard by as many people as possible and have toured around Scotland for three years non-stop with acts such as Enter Shikari, Flood of Red and Memphis May Fire. Here Lies a Warning released their debut EP ‘In Keeping Faith’ in 2010 and released ‘Frontiers’ in July this year.

    The EP opens with ‘The Escapist’, which, at first listen comes off as a young metal band finding their feet in the music industry by exploring their musical interests and inspirations. That is to say their sound is neither unique or unusual. Leonardus Segerius’ vocals are so intense their almost haunting, but in a way that might make you listen to Here Lies a Warning countless times. ‘Martyr’ continues the record in music the same way; showing no progression or variety from track to track.

     ‘Life of Regret’ and ‘Nothing is Out of Your Hands’ act as an instrumental interludes between the overly-angsty rest of the album. However, the production of ‘Frontiers’ is quite effective because this track seamlessly flows into the following. Although it is a classic trait of metal music, the quintet’s use of emotion is fundamentally very negative, causing the EP to lack diversity severely. And with lyrics such as, ‘Your guards, their shields are slowly coming down, they're getting weaker.’, an interesting use of instruments isn’t focused on.

    Each track is fierce and full of pain, but simply does not translate for an enjoyable listen. Although, ‘Frontiers’ does utilise some decent instrumental breakdowns, classic Metal components and seemingly effortless and natural vocal abilities.

1/5

Half Crown- ‘Enigma’ (23/11/2012 – Self-Released)

      Half Crown are a Brighton-born five piece band who claim to produce a new era of upbeat Indie music. The quintet also make use of R&, Funk, Blues and Rap to make their audience as vast as possible, although they remain unsigned.

    The band’s track ‘Enigma’ has been available to download for free since the 23^rd of November after it was played over 100 times on their Soundcloud page. ‘Engima’ does precisely what any music fan wants from what they listen to; desirability. The track is so catchy and likeable that it’s difficult to not listen again and listen to more of the Half Crown’s work. It also fuses the band’s many influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Blur, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Kinks.

    Based on this track, it is a wonder the band aren’t already signed, particularly because of their unique flair and energy, as well as their use of unusual instruments you don’t tend to find in mainstream music. ‘Engima’ is peppered with trumpet sections, rapping, hard-hitting gang-style vocals and ridiculously strong solo vocals that bring a really unique and professional element to the track. It is also very well produced right from the discreet guitar-driven beginning, to the blending of different vocal types, right down to the final fade out at the end of the song.

     Even without a huge audience, Half Crown have pin-pointed who they want to be as a band, and have combined the perfect assortment of genres and styles. The track has also earned the band a headline spot on the SQ Magazine stage this coming summer, and is sure to help them in the process of earning the widespread fame they deserve.

     If ‘Engima’ proves anything, it confirms that there are really talented musicians out in the world yet to be discovered, and Half Crown are certain to have a very bright future ahead of them with their distinctive, brash and intelligent music.

4/5

Listen to ‘Engima’ and Half Crown’s other compositions on their Soundcloud page here: http://soundcloud.com/halfcrown