Band: Chronographs
Release: Nausea (EP)
Release Date: 07/01/13
This is the first proper chance to see what these young UK tech-metalers can do, and the guys have crafted five mouth-watering tracks, providing the first indication that Chronographs are destined for big things. The EP showcases the many tricks they have up their sleeves, and the strong variety on display certainly bodes well for their first full-length, with only the tiniest amount of room for improvement.
‘Opticks’ and ‘Inanis’ provide a barrage of virtuoso flourishes and inventive time-signatures without sacrificing melody, or making the songs seem disjointed. We especially enjoyed the stop/start chromatic licks in ‘Inanis‘, which are deployed to great effect, and the flawless closing passage of ‘Opticks‘ – Jon Sinfield’s vocal crescendo, coupled with some furious riffing bring the song to an explosive climax.
In ‘Veritas’ and ‘Nausea’ the guys deliver mammoth choruses, with yet more impressive sounds coming from Sinfield’s vocal chords – the held note leading into ‘Veritas’s beatdown is especially memorable. On the whole, the title-track is another strong one, boasting some of the EP’s meatiest riffage. Sadly though, the transition into the washy interlude section is abrupt and feels disjointed. For a brief moment things sound segmented – like two distinct pieces have been uncomfortably forced together.
Chronographs really do save the best to last though with ‘Resolve’. This exceptional song ticks all the right boxes: countless phenomenal riffs give way to epic harmonised vocal melodies in the chorus, all punctuated with excellent techy bridges straight out of the Architects bag of tricks.
This is a band to keep your eye on.
7/10
Reviewer: Solomon Radley
