S/T
It’s still a bit early to be brandishing the term “Debut EP of the year” around but here we have a genuine contender already. Described by some lazy journalists as “the UK’s answer to Converge,” Throats are much so more than that and one of the most promising prospects to come from our shores in some time.
Building upon their humble beginnings as straightforward Hardcore band, they have realised what was needed to be done to capture the minds of the youth of this nation. By combining their love of all things Metal, Doom and of course Hardcore, they have created something extremely decisive and brutal.
Being influenced by bands such as Rise and Fall, Panic and even Napalm Death, extremely harsh critics would say this offering lacks originality but Throats potential lies by fusing this love and creating something new in the UK Metal/Hardcore scene.
From the outset, the opening track “Wake” does exactly that and much more. The initial 20 seconds of pure doom filled emotion make you feel scared but at the same time excited about what is going to happen next. And it doesn’t look good. While vocalist Alex Wealands screams at you, the rest of the band aim to deliver brutal blows that are fast, slow and deliberate.
“Fuck Life” oozes despondency and is about not taking shit anymore. From the rage laden screams and shouts to the intricate fingertapping which jolt you in an extreme manner, Throats know how you feel sometimes and try to put it into musical form.
The aural assault continues into the second half of the EP as “Failgiver” appears to show the bands emotive edge with softer vocals and a more natural progression from riff to riff. And even giving you a few seconds to two step before launching into a mass sing along. This is the Ep’s most straightforward hardcore track. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
The final track “Oaken/Wait” is a split song of two entirely different contrasts and it really does set them aside from anybody out there. How other bands to you know that can form a 7 minute epic which starts off at a ridiculous speed which then winds you down into an almost hypnotic dirty downtuned riff?
The technical guitar work on this track is reminiscent of The Dillinger Escape Plan or The Red Chord which builds up to the second half of the track into something equally and devastating. The feedback enriched stampede evolves into a calm and soothing out row as if to pick you up and dust you off and make sure you are alright after the pain Throats have put the listener through.
Throats are by no means the finished article which provides the most exciting aspect of this bands future. This EP is a showcase and a way for you to sample all the styles the band is capable of. This is Throats way of standing up and making a statement about what they are about and trust me, they have bloody done that.
Manoj Koeri
Never Say 