Band: Breed 77
Release: Drown (Single)
Release Date: Out Now
Breed 77 have been kicking about the British alternative and metal scene for years now. By no means a ground breaking band but a talented and hard working outfit who deserved a fan reception that matched their critical acclaim but never quite found it. That they’re still going is a testament to their love for the music, which is not only admirable but an essential component to writing the best kind of tunes as ‘Drown‘ proves.
The song runs on a strong pulse like groove and never loses its momentum despite the sophisticated occasional dips in tempo. Vocally the sound displays a take reminiscent of the gritty melodicisms of the height of 90’s and early 00’s alt metal that, while not original, makes them sound incredibly fresh compared to their autotuned and overtly digital contemporaries. Arguably the solo section of the track is a bit self indulgent as it lacks any of the obvious air guitar qualities to draw in anyone who isn’t themselves a guitarist as seemingly every fan of metal based music fancies themselves as an internet guitar hero that’s maybe actually a selling point. What is without doubt a selling point is how accessible the track is while still maintaining a credible sense of muscularity and heft.
Breed 77 are never going to take the world with this kind of stuff, but they should certainly be taking the larger end of the club circuit without any bother if there’s any justice. Equal parts contemporary thrust and nostalgic warmth ‘Drown‘ is much more fun that its name suggests.
7/10
Reviewer: Calum McMillan
