Review Summary: one hell of a start
The more time I spend on this beloved music site, the more I’m inspired by the sheer amount of talent possessed by Sputnik’s very own blood. With
Concerned (but powerless), emo/hardcore influenced fauxdeep have under ten minutes and only three tracks to leave an impression on their audience --a task they make seem effortless.
While fauxdeep may lack a bit in the originality department at times, they’ve certainly mastered the art of execution. No time is wasted on their first EP, as each track explodes with a level of passion that begs to be heard. The vocals come storming out of the gates on ‘Damn’ and Common Cold’ the very second they begin, a prime example of the band’s determination to make
Concerned (but powerless) an engaging, fast-paced listening experience. Fans of alt rock in a similar vein as Balance and Composure will not be disappointed with the vocalist’s often gruff, yet melodic approach. His transitions between clean and harsher vocals are quite seamless, allowing the songs to flow freely without ever sounding forced. Closing track ‘Common Cold’ finds him firing on all cylinders as he unleashes his most versatile vocal performance on the EP, leaving the listener wanting more.
Aside from the confident vocals, the instrumentation here is often just as affecting. With a hint of Misery Signal’s aggression and the experimentation of The Deftones, fauxdeep have created a palpable atmosphere in which their music can flourish. The guitars often seem to mimic the vocalist’s intensity, kicking into full force when necessary to match his most emotional lines. ‘Damn’ showcases the band at their very best, especially during the last 60 seconds when a flurry of guitars envelops the listener and demands their undivided attention.
With such a short runtime, it’s difficult to know exactly where fauxdeep will take their sound in the future, but one thing’s for sure, they’re off to one hell of a start.
Concerned (but powerless) is nothing more than a satisfying appetizer; a brief glimpse of what’s to come from a talented, young band.
