[Release date 21.07.17]
Wolf Machine is a 4 track long EP, by alt-rock band Saint Apache. It is an absolutely solid entry into alt-rock, and could comfortably sit alongside other popular artists of the genre. The whole EP has a raw sound to it, as if you’re listening to the band live. It consists of powerful riffs to establish each song, which my only criticism would be that they can become slightly repetitive. The vocals of Thom Meredith are perhaps the main standout element of each track – they are strong and perfectly compliment the music. There appears to be a mix of positive influences from other artists (although nothing is explicitly copied) regarding the sound of the EP, all of them helping it sound fantastic. Saint Apache already feel like an extremely established band and deserve to be realised.
The first track of the EP, ‘You’re Not A Slave’ is a great first impression, fully engaging me as a listener. The track is fast and catchy. Midway, the song takes a break, slows the tempo down and builds up to an even faster version of the opening riff for a powerful outro.
The song, S’tory Doesn’t End Here’ is a bit slower and groovy overall, but it still has attitude. The track has satisfying bassline and a catchy chorus. The screams used throughout the song really help to emphasise the emotions at play.
‘Halfway Dead’ is, perhaps, the quickest song on the EP. The drums seem particularly strong here in unison with the guitar riff, breaking down the song each time a line is chanted out. The track would be great to hear in concert to get the crowd going, although, despite being a well composed track, it doesn’t try anything particularly special in the way of how it is structured, and, except for one place in the track, stays at quite a steady pace throughout.
The title track of the EP, ‘Wolf Machine’ is a heavy hitter, building up with drums and a strong riff. The song is satisfying to listen to, with a good balance between harshness in noise and a groovy beat. The drums here are particularly good and really help to establish the song. The guitar is also utilised in a way that is unique compared to the rest of the EP, using high notes for a solo-style build up in the song – I just wish that the guitar was used more like this, and in more depth, throughout the EP to compliment the other instruments.
I feel that compared to their first, self-titled EP, Saint Apache have definitely stepped things up a notch, creating a more powerful, upbeat and catchy EP. I personally believe that if this EP is fully realised, it could have the potential to launch the band into commercial success – lyrically it has attitude but there isn’t enough to deter a more mainstream audience. ****
Review by Ed Hobbs
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