There’s an abundance of bands out there wearing the “Post-Hardcore” label, but in reality there are few that excel in their craft. I can only think of a handful of bands that have really made the step up and can comfortably say that they distance themselves from the pack of stagnant and mediocre bands of the genre.

 

Following in the footsteps of some of the biggest bands in the genre such as We Came as Romans and Of Mice & Men we have this young outfit from Orange County, California - Speaking The King’s, releasing their debut full length following a great reception of their EP Here To Stay in 2013.

 

From the opening few bars of first track Breathe I was hooked by their very accomplished musicianship and addictive composition. By the time the chorus was belting out I already found myself trying to sing along to a song I’d never even heard before! Bobby Burap’s mix of deep growls and highs are so raw and the riffs are played with so much energy it’s easy to forget you’re listening to a recording and not there at a live show.

 

Lead single from the album Choke is a belter, once again with that live feel to the recording. With a soaring melody throughout it’s singalong chorus you’ll have it stuck in your head for most of the day. And don’t go thinking that’s the only highlight to be found here, Caught In The Middle is another frantic track full of energy with yet another effortlessly brilliant chorus - there’s a little hint of Architects on this track which is a  clear indication that this band are setting their sights quite high indeed.

 

Through no fault of it’s own Liar Liar finds itself being left a little forgetful after two such stellar tracks that precede it. Motion Sickness is a brilliant soundtrack to teenagers down the skatepark with it’s punk-rock tendencies and gang vocals.