Page 50 - 367639 LP248834 NE Volume Magazine (170mm x 245mm 52pp) October 2022
P. 50
NEW EP BY
CORAL SNAKE
‘SEVER TIES’
NE VOLUME RATING
Rising Teesside hard rockers Coral Snake have primed their debut EP, ‘Sever Ties’, which doubles as a five-song compilation of their previously released singles. These tracks released so far have generated impressive momentum for a band that first performed live under the Coral Snake banner as recently as June 2021. With the group harbouring much greater ambitions, the EP serves simultaneously as a useful overview of their work to date as well as a curtain call, as seemingly referenced by its title. Coral Snake are unabashedly a rock ‘n’ roll band at a time when this has become less fashionable, which makes it vital to be backed up with a considerable array of musical weapons. The songwriting displayed here is strikingly professional, typified by chunky grooves, driving riffage, excellent guitar soloing and a tendency to swing for the fences with anthemic, canyon-sized choruses. The first two cuts, ‘Pierce The Heart’ and 'Waiting In Line', both tick all of these boxes with aplomb. ‘Slow Motion’, appropriately enough, is a more paced affair, making greater utilisation of dynamic contrast rather than forcefully reaching for the jugular, importantly evidencing a more nuanced approach. This allows the band to wear their post-grunge influences openly; Alter Bridge, Nickelback and Black Stone Cherry are all cited alongside the old-school, myth-making guitar gods of yester decades. Aesthetically, the Coral Snake name feels ready-made to slot into the pantheon of those contemporary rock radio bands, but such intentions are no source of apology in this sphere. Easy as it is to forget in 2022, rock always drew its vindication from size and scale. Tellingly enough, ‘Web Of Lies’ pursues the epic just as stridently as anything else on the EP, once again characterised by a humongous hook and a bomb- blast grooviness which remains aerodynamic enough to prevent the sonic scaffolding from sagging. Anywhere the band travels on record, they seem to do so fast and frenetically. Just to upend that notion, however, ‘Sever Ties’ ends with an acoustic version of ‘Slow Motion’. While it would have been great to hear this side of Coral Snake exemplified by an original track in this style, one cannot be too choosy on what is ultimately a story-so-far record. The track is worth it alone for some excellent finger- picking and shows that the band know their touchstones when it comes to some of their aforementioned arena-rock heroes; acts in this vein rarely get away with dialling it up to eleven every single time. The important message taken away from the EP is that Coral Snake have made a very accomplished start to their journey, with a release schedule planned for the near future. Fans of the style can afford to be excited by a local band with their sights set on the big time, and seemingly with the chops to prove it. You can listen to ‘Sever Ties’ now on all major streaming platforms. MICHAEL JOHNSON
EW
CACTUSMAN
‘POUR ME MY FIRST DRINK’ SINGLE
NE VOLUME RATING
Indie rockers Cactusman are back with their new single, ‘Pour Me My First Drink’, which is a step away from the usual sound their fans would recognise. There is still the familiar depth of story and meaning in their lyrics that have become common parts of the Cactusman repertoire, but the sound pulls away from the rock world and moves into a country-esque feel. There is a mellow
gentleness that is reminiscent of sipping whiskey in the sun as the world goes by, and there are also Mediterranean moments dotted throughout that add to the peaceful maturity of the track. The new sound still embraces elements that old fans will love whilst changing in a direction that may bring in a new wave of listeners for Cactusman as they develop and mature into a new era. If you’re looking to take a step back and relax, then this
is the soundtrack for you. You can listen to ‘Pour Me My First Drink’ now on all major streaming platforms. GEORGINA SHINE
NE VOLUME RATINGS EXPLAINED
THIS IS AMAZING! WORTH A LISTEN!
SO, SO. GOOD EFFORT. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT... NOT FOR ME, THANKS...
50 \\ NE VOLUME MAGAZINE \\ ALBUM REVIEWS
