Review Summary: Acres deliver an emotional set of songs on this short EP, giving a solid first effort with their new vocalist.
Acres are a 5 piece melodic/post hardcore band from the South Coast of England, UK. Back in 2015, Acres parted ways with their vocalist and began seeking out a new front man, something I actually auditioned for. I didn't make the cut, however, listening to this EP, I'm glad I didn't, as their new vocalist Ben Lumber fits in perfectly and gives an exceptional performance on these tracks.
From the very first track, the instrumentation on this release is noticeably heavier than their previous two EPs. The blistering new riffs are accompanied by a familiar ambient lead swimming in reverb, a staple of melodic hardcore and Acres' sound, and proves heavily reminiscent of Devil Sold His Soul, which is always a good thing. Emotional lyrics and excellent sounding clean vocals are commonplace throughout these tracks, something I'm glad was retained from their earlier efforts.
The lead single off this EP, ''Miles Apart'', was released back in September of 2015, and appears here re-recorded, sounding better than ever. A fresh set of vocal recordings and more pronounced harmonies in the chorus give this song an extra level of depth, and it's one that often gets stuck in my head. This track also has an alternative version featured on this EP, affectionately labeled as ''Miles Apart-Sad Song Version'' on the bands spotify. This rendition of the song features clean, ambient guitars and turns the soaring chorus down into a softly climbing melody, proving Acres' adaptability as song writers.
As for the other tracks on the album, Acres do what they do best, and that is creating an atmosphere. The monotone screams that find home in this genre coupled with the huge ambiance of the lead guitars give their music a certain aesthetic, something I consider a hallmark of knowing your own sound. On the song ''Gloom'', another single released before this EP you'll find incredibly effective group vocals singing what is another emotional set of lyrics in beautiful chorus. On the EP's title track, a fantastic lead guitar can be heard throughout, and the song provides a sense of emotion from the word Go.
The only real criticism I can give this EP is it's lack of diversity between the bulk of the songs. Whilst each track is distinct from the other, you will find a lot of similar sounds here. However, that's nothing to be frowned at, as what is there is done to a very high standard, and I think this is both an excellent EP and a fine example of what Acres have yet to come. If ambient melodic hardcore is your thing, then this band is for you. A very
solid effort from Acres.
