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 | |  Arcane Militia - Arcane Militia EP (2013) Review | |
Arcane Militia - Arcane Militia EP (2013)
Self Released -- Running Time 26:14
Score
7/10
Arcane Militia have been together approximately eighteen months and in that short time have made a pretty good name for themselves in the London and surrounding areas, not an easy thing to do when you consider the amount of bands trying to grab a piece of the action! Members originate from all parts of the UK and Sardinia and they describe themselves as 'Heavy Rock', although from this self proclaimed 'old fart', that would be very much in the modern sense. It's actually quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what Arcane Militia (love that name) are aiming for sound wise, but that certainly doesn't mean this, self titled, EP is directionless or unfocussed. Collectively they have cited a huge array of influences, from Black Sabbath & Judas Priest to Pendulum, The Prodigy, Weezer, even the Four Tops and they like to let those influences shine. I suppose you could call them Raw, Alternative Rock/Metal & Post Grunge but it's very much down to what you can hear, which is a good thing, because it keeps you guessing!
Vocalist Joseph Faulkner utilises a variety of clean and harsh singing which, to these ears at any rate, is an acquired taste, but it suits the music very well and he can certainly switch styles very quickly, useful for the powerful choruses! For a band of this type there is plenty of light and shade in the guitar work of Tom E Tombs and Joe Richardson and Steve Dyson on bass and drummer Mauro Usai work well together!
Opening track 'Brothers' builds tentatively and lets rip in the chorus nicely, 'Brighteyes' also starts quietly with an almost Southern Doom feel before riddling you with bullets hard. It's definitely my favourite song on the EP! 'Night Service' is not as heavy, relying more on vocal melody, but unfortunately every time it starts all I can hear is Wet Wet Wet's version of 'Love Is All Around' originally by The Troggs. It's not intentional of course and the song soon moves into different areas, I'm just annoyed I cannot unhear it!! '6FeetDeep' picks the pace up again and has a great groove. 'Asylum' has a very Sabbath sounding opening refrain and final track 'Gravity' is another highlight and the song on which I like Joseph's vocals the best!
You know me, Modern Alternative sounding Rock/Metal of this type doesn't always float my boat, especially with 'screams' but Arcane Militia are doing something a little different from their peers. and I'm not about to be rude because the music doesn't always hit the sweet spot with me. This is well played, well produced, packs a punch and is a very mature and assured sounding EP for a band still so new. They also recently came first in their heat of the TBFM Factor 2014 competition and are through to the Quarter-Finals in April, proving they are doing something right! I'll be keeping an eye on what they come up with next!
http://www.arcanemilitia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArcaneMilitia
https://twitter.com/ArcaneMilitia
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArcaneMilitia
Review written exclusively for Brutiful Entertainment by Rick Tilley
https://www.facebook.com/richard.tilley.351
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