Armed For A Crisis - Progressions (EP)

Posted on 2012-01-27 22:11:17

The East Midlands post-hardcore scene is positively thriving with talent at the moment. With bands such as Violet and A World Defined making a real name for themselves, how does 5 piece, Melodic Hardcore band Armed For A Crisis compare? Is there any room for them in this already competitive music scene? Gena decided to have a sneaky listen to their EP Progressions to find out...
Things kick off with the short, suitably named Intro, which pretty much does what it says on the tin. The track slowly eases you into their sound whilst showing off the band’s ability to create tight, impressive instrumentals. This then leads nicely into VII: Open Hearts, Open Minds- a track that could not be more different if it tried.

Right from the start of Open Hearts, Open Minds, it is apparent that the band means business. Armed For A Crisis stay true to form, producing a great melodic sound that could easily be compared to that of The Elijah, but what sets them aside from others is the deep, powerful roar of Dan Chamberlain. There aren’t any clean vocals on the track, or on the EP for that matter, which is refreshing as this is something we have come to expect from ‘melodic hardcore’ bands. Instead it’s just full throttle, in your face, vocals.

The EP features the guest vocals of Jake Hough from A World Defined on Redefined and they also have Violet’s own Jonny Nelson, featuring on the closing track Beneath The Waves. These tracks don’t really bring anything particularly astounding to Progressions, but remain on par with the others.

After another short instrumental (also named Progressions), you will find stand out track Black Smoke, which starts with a slightly different vibe when compared to the rest of the EP. The song begins with, dare we say, a little more pop-punk infused sound, with subtle elements of an early A Day To Remember, especially as the breakdown kicks in. This immediately changes the mood of the EP from a passionate and tense feeling, to a more light-hearted and fun vibe. As things continue though, the trademark Armed For A Crisis sound returns, hitting you hard with powerful, emotive lyrics. This is definitely the stand out track of the album and one that could be listened to again and again.

Overall, Progressions is a good EP and definitely worth a download. The band obviously work well together to create a mature, professional sound that can only be developed into something even better. BTN are rather looking forward to reviewing them live very soon!