Review Summary: Crisis Works is a strong, modern sounding debut that marks the return of raw, youthful, and intelligent rock music that Yourcodenameis:milo fans have probably been missing quite sorely.
The noughties saw the emergence of several highly promising British bands who embraced the heavier side of the UK's alternative music scene. Unfortunately, with the exception of the ever-growing popularity of Scotland's Biffy Clyro, most of these bands were never given a fraction of the attention that they deserved. As a result, an array of fantastic names did not live to see the turn of the decade. Most disappointing breakups include Surrey's inventively fun Reuben, Manchester's consistently superb Oceansize, and last but not least, Sunderland's invariably innovative Yourcodenameis:milo.
After the demise of Yourcodenameis:milo, frontman and guitarist Paul Mullen surprisingly decided to unite with a largely underwhelming Welsh group called The Automatic. As someone once correctly pointed out, this would be the equivalent of Simon Neil dissolving Biffy Clyro in order to pursue a musically unfulfilling future with The Hoosiers. Fortunately for the world (more specifically the UK), Mullen decided to rekindle a previous collaboration with Bloc Party's bassist Gordan Moakes (they first worked together on YCNI:M's "Print Is Dead Vol 1"), bestowing a breath of fresh air known as Young Legionnaire upon an ever dwindling British rock scene.
Despite only having three members, Young Legionnaire have successfully managed to conjure up some colossal sounds on their debut full-length, Crisis Works. The most notable example is the opener "Twin Victory", which indubitably bricks every first-time listener in the face with its vast multitude of monstrous riffs - it effortlessly devours the noises created by the majority of four-piece rock groups. Dean Pearson's solid drumming and Moake's energetic basslines provide a muscular support, as Mullen efficiently interchanges between the lowest guitar chugs and vocal-doubling tremolo sections. With the ability to generate such an hefty impact, this track wouldn't fit anywhere other than at the beginning of the record.
But perhaps the most interesting feature of the LP is the trio's ability to utilise dynamics and effects in the appropriate places, in order to enhance a kind of atmosphere that is so frequently neglected by bands in this genre. Yet vocal and guitar effects are not used a gimmick-like manner - Mullen rarely (if at all) uses anything other than reverb and distortion to keep the listener's attention. A significant instance of this is demonstrated during the calming bridge of "Chapter, Verse", where Mullen's distinctive voice echoes amidst a watery combination of sounds. They sketch an excellently contrasting passage which leads seamlessly back to the original theme of the song.
Sadly, the record experiences a noticeable slump during its midsection - an outcome that could possibly have been lessened with a simple change in track ordering. "These Arms" and "Blood Dance" are consecutive tracks that should probably have been separated by a stronger one (or two), as their pairing exhibits an evident drop in energy and ups-and-downs that are only partially regained during "Nova Scotia". Fortunately, the last few numbers on the album do not disappoint - "Mortgage Rock" and "Futures Finished" successfully bring the band back on track with a display of great songwriting and use of dynamic range, albeit less powerfully than during the album's first leg.
Crisis Works is a strong, modern sounding debut that marks the return of raw, youthful, and intelligent rock music that Yourcodenameis:milo fans have probably been missing quite sorely.
7.5/10
