This might just be one of the best EP's out this year. The first thing that strikes you when you listen to this record is the screaming vocals as well as the growling which is not really a permanent feature with bands like A Skylit Drive. As the record progresses I think the people who liked A Static Lullaby's ... And Don't Forget To Breathe might find this interesting. At first what only sounds like a watered down version of Underoath's "The Changing Of Times" A Skylit Drive keeps getting interesting.
The opener "Ability To Create A War" starts off with the vocals and then followed by a metallic breakdown which isn't very unique although catchy. The whole song is basically a long breakdown and serves as an introduction to the album.
"Drown The City" clearly a continuation of the opener is your regular screamo song with the clean vox harmonized by screaming in the background. Lyrical themes are the usual about Dealing with personal issues and relationships etc with lines like "So now you're screaming at the top of your lungs hoping for someone to come". This song may come off as generic but is catchy as hell with the hooky chorus riffs. "The All Star Diaries" the best song of the album for me. This song fortunately is not all about breakdowns. The song keeps going upwards in terms of performance and musicianship. It is however offset by a few low points. Namely repitition.
"Hey Nightmare, Where Did You Get Them Teeth" is again your 2-bit song in a screamo/post-hardcore album. However this obviously comes with the territory. "The Past The Love The Memory" is your regular interlude and the band obviously cannot be blamed for it, but thankfully they placed it right.
Songs like "A Reason For Broken Wings" and "According to Columbus" are again songs you would completely expect from bands like this. Verse-Breakdown-Verse-Breakdown X 2. But "According to Columbus" probably has the most catchiest chorus and is full of quality guitar riffs and drumming.
In conclusion I think this is a fine EP and as their label brands it "Highly anticipated" might actually be honest for once.
Although one thing is for sure these guys are sure to be picked up by Solid State or Victory or a similar label for their sophomore effort.
