Released in 2003, this is Hidden In Plain Views final EP before they come out with a full length album. HIPV are one of the best bands on Drive Thru. I have met them in person and they are all very cool guys
Shamans Witches Magic
One of the best things about HIPV in the studio is their layering of tracks, having sometimes 3 or more vocal and guitar tracks. Shamans Witches Magic is a good example of this. There is some very good guitar work under the brilliant lyrics. The vocals are preformed very well, and this song goes to from fast to slow and back. Overall a great song. 8.5/10
The Chaser
The guitar work on this song isn't as good as on the previous song, but the singing and lyrics more than make up for it. This is another good example of the song starting off quick, and having a slower break in the middle of the song. The dueling screaming at the end is one of the best parts of the song. 7.5/10
Where the Highways End
This song is the slowest on the CD, and it has almost an acoustic feel during the verse. The bass in the verse really stands out over the guitar, as do the drums, showing the talent of both musicians. The best aspect of this song is the back and forth singing of the verses. 7/10
Belly Full of Kerosene
This is probably the heaviest track on the CD, and it shows it right from the start. The drums definatly stand out in this song, espicially during the verses, and are one of the best things about this song. The lyrics aren't as good as earlier in the CD, but they are still good. 8/10
20 Below (Demo Version)
This is the best song on the CD. It starts off slow, almost as slow as Where the Highways End, and when a little hint of screaming comes in during the first verse, you can sense the song will pick up, which is soon does. After the first verse the song bursts out with some screaming, then slows down a bit for the second verse, but not down to the pace of the first. The chorus sets the tempo for the dramatic ending of the song, with a small space in between. And the song finishes very powerfully. 10/10
Overall, this is a good album. It's somewhat generic, but not as much as most of the stuff on DTR. I can't wait for their first full CD.
4.5/5
This was my first review, hope I didn't mess up too much
