Mind Noise Network
Bad Sign - Destroy
By James Salt - 17 November 2014
Sometimes it's possible to learn a lot purely from a band's name, so I went into my first listen of Bad Sign expecting a real angsty, old-school punk band. So what I ended up hearing shocked me a bit...a progressive, punchy and euphoric alternative-metal sound - I really like where this is going.
This Croydon-based trio exhibit some really outstanding craftsmanship throughout the five songs on this latest release, throwing in some ambient atmosphere that really draws the listener in and a vocalist that shows off an incredible range.
Opening track and latest single "Confession" (which debuted on the Radio 1 rock show recently) is a short and snappy showcase for what this band are capable of. With it's high-octane riffery from Jonathan Harris and Kevin Miller's artillery-like percussion, if you like your rock music with a huge slab of sophistication and incredible technique, then look no further than these guys. It's easy to see why the radio are giving these hugely talented gents some quality air time.
"The Recidivist" is a real standout track on the album, the effects on this song create a really brooding atmosphere in the background to the djent-style riffs similar to those of Periphery. Vocalist/bassist Joe Appleford's vocals on this song really show off his versatility - from rooftop high melodies to some stomach churning growls, it includes the catchiest chorus on offer as he screams out "You are the one, you are the one, that will become that will become!". The kids are going to love that one. There's also some beautiful bass lines from Joe to be had here. If Lower Than Atlantis and TesseracT had an illegitimate child then it would sound a whole lot like this song. An absolute belter of a tune.
Next track "Father" evokes a lot of emotion, it's very apparent that this song is one that is very close to the band's heart, and proves that they aren't one-dimensional and all about the aggression.
Penultimate track "Faith" is a massive chunk of melody and euphoria, it conjures up images of galaxies and cosmic-warfare with it's whirring guitars and anthemic vocal arcs. It really whets your appetite for the main event of this technically sublime record.
Epic finale "Destroy" cranks everything up to the next level for the most progressive track of this release. Encapsulating everything that made this release already one of the most high-quality British rock EPs of the year so far, this nine minute composition sounds like the result of an Enter Shikari, Muse and Dream Theatre high-speed collision. It's aggressive, euphoric, technical,and with it's appropriate use of vocal harmonies it sets itself apart from the other tracks on here. Sometimes it's hard to believe that there are only three members in the band. A triumphant conclusion.
The British rock/metal community has been crying out for something like Bad Sign for a while now. It really stands out from all those scenes and haircuts. Originality is hard to find out there in the current marketplace, and this trio have chosen no better time than the present to make themselves relevant.
They've got the tools, the talent and now getting the exposure for their career to really take off, we here at Mind Noise Network urge any self respecting rock or metal to try this out, you won't be disappointed.
â—„
1/20
â–º