Unfortunately, the rise of bands such as Paramore have moulded the shape for a generic, female fronted band. Giving the image they’ll all sound happy and chirpy with 0 attitude, and the same four chord, verse chorus, verse structure. Add to that the only possibly genre they will play is pop punk and this is why I was so pleased when I listened to Between Waves this morning. Vocalist Helen Page has a unique voice that pierces through the ‘pop punk expectation’. And the band as a whole have created a sound that is both heavy and bursting with melody. On October 23rd Between Waves released their EP Paper Chain, which is free to download from their Facebook page.

 

The first track, like the EP itself is called Paper Chain. The opening riff has an almost grungy feel to it, accompanied by haunting vocals. When all the instruments kick in they compliment each other, creating a chilling aura. The solo has some really captivating lead lines, keeping up the strange and original sound that is Between Waves.

 

Second track Revelation opens with some really tight drum fills. The guitar rolls between each beat, and the vocals stay light and airy. That is until the band plunge into the chorus, where the instrumentation becomes in your face heavy and the vocals transform into powerful and bold, still keeping that eerie edge. This track is easily my favourite on the EP.