Ownworstenemy – Bilateral

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Hangman’s Joke Records
Produced by Ownworstenemy

A Nottingham-based five-piece that claim to draw influences from all corners of the alternative/metal World into a new and unique sound. Don’t they all? Released last year, this EP, with it’s “Wipeout” front cover (Playstation gamers of yore will understand) comes as a precursor to their forthcoming debut full-length album.

Dirty fuzzy guitars and a mix of (bad) extreme vocals and clean vocals in that pained, whining late-90s nu-metal style are the order of the day for the first two tracks, with guest vocalist Ritch Keeling providing the extreme side. Not very impressive, all told. The two sets of vocals constantly sound like they’re fighting to sing the song; like they both believe they should be singing it on their own. The result is somewhat muddied and confused.

The final two tracks, one of which is a demo, are far more coherent. With just regular vocalist Tim handling the singing duties (and thankfully sticking to his Gavin Rossdale/Aaron Lewis style) the songs take on a much more memorable and listenable quality.

If they continue to take their music in the direction of latter tracks Rebirth and Bereft they have the potential to become a solid and entertaining band. If on the other hand they choose to cater for the current metal-youth’s penchant for screaming vocals and fake aggression, they will disappear into the mire of third-rate bands that are already saturating the market. Time will tell.

It doesn’t cost much to check this out for yourself, so if you’re at all alt-metal inclined, why not have a listen? T-shirts are pretty cool as well.

“ potential ”

Tracklist: Asleep At The Wheel / December / Rebirth / Bereft

Written by Andy Lye
More: Alternative, EPs, Ownworstenemy