Hailing from Guildford, Surrey, Pop Punkers Amberline high-energy five piece
influenced by the likes of A Day to
Remember, New Found Glory and Blink-182.
Their debut ‘Soundtrack of Your Life’ hit shelves back in 2011 and the quintet’s
latest EP ‘The Art of Reinvention’
hit digital music stands on September 30th and it’s no surprise they’ve
caused quite a commotion in their quiet hometown by recently describing their
music as “Michael Jackson
two-stepping on your mum’s face”.
Right from the off, it’s obvious this EP is going
to be somewhat generic both melodically and lyrically. Although the light
breakdowns in ‘I’m a Grower, Not a Show-er’
are apt, the lyrics simply do not cut it. In fact, the track sounds so much
like Good Charlotte’s early work it’s
uncanny. But there is no denying
that Amberline know what they’re doing,
and perhaps have just gripped the mantra of ‘If it ain’t broke then don’t fix
it.’ The track even comes to as monotone end with gang vocals chorusing “f*ck
you.”
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‘The Art
of Reinvention’, the band
claim, is a brave redefinition of old-school Pop Punk, but it actually appears
there’s been very little redefining going on. ‘Years Gone By’ follows in the same fashion, with speedy yet steady
drum beats driving the standard melody and breakdowns during the Bridge. With its
typically Emo title, ‘The Lost and the Hopeless’ starts
steadily with strikingly subtle guitaring that rapidly smashes into a blasting
verse forming a monstrous chorus. With infectious hooks, big guitar solos and a
typically catchy chorus, this track is certainly a stand-out song. Credit where
credit’s due, Amberline have stuck
like the glue to their Pop Punk genre,
which is something so many bands and artists fail to do; they know how they
want to come across, who they what to be as a band and what they want their
sound to be.
The well-crafted melody of ‘When All Else Fails’ seamlessly blends harmonies, brashing guitars
and drums and raw, punchy main vocal lines. The production quality is also clear
as the song comes to a close and the gang vocals become crystal clear and well-coordinated.
Although ‘Here Comes the Colonel’ is
definitely the filler track of the EP, ‘Fingers
Crossed’ brings a burst of solid optimism to the table to finish on.
Despite how well-crafted and energetic ‘The Art of Reinvention’
is, Amberline seem to lack individuality. They come across as passionate and hugely
diligent musicians who just don’t possess the desire to be different, but you never know what they might try reinventing in theit future.
3.5/5
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