We are so behind on reviews and the like that we’ve managed to miss several release dates. But we’re slowly catching up and this ones been cooking for a while.
1 - The EPs opener ‘Dead to Me’ begins with a sample of a Malcom X’s ‘We are oppressed’ speech before some sharp guitar and bass part launch full tilt into the song. Its busy but with space in the verse created by jabs of guitar over the baseline, then escalating into a shouty melodic chorus has great harmonies.
2 - ‘Take Your Bets’ starts with amazingly fast drums over slow chords and then it goes big and chunky. Another strong melody in the chorus and I’m beginning to realise that they are all competent musicians but the drums are really drawing me in. The percussion is exceedingly tight and capable of sudden bursts of dramatic speed.
3 - ‘No Way’ has more ferocious drums, the track sounds heavier than the previous two, less overtly melodic but no less compelling. There is a darker sound going on here showing another flavour of the band.
4 - ‘Minds Occupied’ starts with a cool bass riff that just as you get into the groove suddenly is overturned by a full frontal musical attack. There’s a great bass breakdown that jumps back in with all guns blazing.
5 - ‘Can’t Stand You’ begins with a sample of Harry Dean Stanton’s Repo Man ‘Ordinary people’ speech before the drums bounce along, soon there’s a bass riff and then the band are fully engaged and the track motors along.
6 - ‘Waste of Our Time’ is the long one at getting on for 3 minutes. Heavy section leads into melodic guitar lines and vocal harmonies keep the chorus interesting. There a great slow-down with sharp melodic guitar line and the track combines most of the sounds of the earlier ones and makes a great set piece EP finisher.
Based in the North West UK, Reason to Leave keep most of their songs here short and to the point. They occupy that crossover that is skate punk with more than a hint of aggressive metal in there. They can really play and the EP is tight and really well produced, a nice addition to anyones playlist. Links on how to get it are below.
Words: Richie Yates, Images: Band Media
Links:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/reasontoleavepunk