These Waves - These Waves (EP)
I first heard These Waves last summer and from the moment I saw them live, I was instantly hooked. What struck me most was the energy and how the band would feed off each other live. That, along with the fast paced intricate guitar playing, quirky timings and catchy pop inspired melodies - the bands appeal was flawless. But since that infamous Wigan show, they’ve had their fair share of setbacks; in October 09 their drummer left, followed by their bassist in January. For a while things looked kind of pear shaped. However, a few months on, with a new line-up, they are back and as cliche as it sounds, better than ever. Everytime I introduce new ears to These Waves, they are often compared to At The Drive-In. Whether an accurate comparison or just a narrow minded opinion, on their new self titled EP, the band have taken a step away from their debut and confidently progressed into a sound of their own. The quirky rhythms that make ATDI so distinctive are still apparent in the songs but the band seemed to have transcended the sound that tends to shadow them. The EP begins with three minute blast- ‘Consolation Prize’, driven by hyperactive bass and drums, with a proggy guitar, they sing ‘We’re not the same/And that’s not a bad thing’ and it really isn’t. Not many British post-hardcore bands can pull off a sound this daring and tight. On ‘These Questions Need No Answers’ they broach on Million Dead territory, with aggressive vocals and stop/starty song structures, leading into a bridge driven by a funky disco beat reminiscent of Q And Not U at their beautiful best. It’s the strongest track on the EP and demonstrates just how far the band have come since their beginnings. ‘Waiting Game’ is old fashioned prog rock punked up. Abstract lyrics, enviably tight rhythm sections and punchy drumming, the track shows off the complexities of the bands techincal side. In all, Self titled by These Waves is a stellar second EP, and cements the band as a tour-de-force British post-hardcore outfit, in a scene that is sadly dieing. More please.
www.myspace.com/thesewavesuk
Download These Waves ‘These Questions Need No Answers’ HERE
These Waves play The Tudor Friday October 22nd.
