In times of Facebook, it is sometimes not easy to get some information about bands you don't know yet and want to present in a review.
This was also the case for me with the Ulm band STILL BLEAK.
One could think that a label or promo agency would provide the reviewer with some information if the band doesn't, but this request went unheard here.
So I can't write much about STILL BLEAK, except that they come from Ulm, have been playing live for two years, primarily in southern Germany, and that the guys have already shared the stage with heavyweights like Nothington, Astpai, or No Shame.
With “What about pursuit of justice,” the band's first EP is available, which is also meant to give a taste of the debut album that is set to be released in the first half of 2012.
The EP includes four songs. It opens with the track “Trust in Better times.” The first notes are great for moshing, then it shifts into a Circle Pit frenzy. Hey, this is something you already know from many melodic hardcore bands. Sounds good!
And then the driving vocals… yes, sometimes it’s that easy to get excited. But what is this? Alongside the singer, a bandmate contributes some small screamo parts that slow down the song a bit, but as soon as the screamo part ends, it continues with the pedal to the metal. In the middle of the song, it shifts into a higher gear, allowing the audience to catch their breath so they don’t collapse right at the first song.
STILL BLEAK really kick off with their opener. I can easily imagine how this song turns the club into a cauldron live.
The second song continues with hoarse vocals, some well-placed breaks, and driving Circle Pit parts. This song is also a solid number that will definitely ignite live. “Society vs. Me” is a fitting title and shows that the band is not just about the vibe, but also wants to convey a message in their lyrics.
The first two songs have already paved the way for a forward escape, which is followed by the third song “Escape” without restrictions. Here, the screamo parts are more pronounced and somehow remind me of the breathing of carp when the water is too warm and oxygen is scarce. Somehow, this association chain is in my head while listening to the song. However, “Escape” is not a bit worse than the previous songs. Only the thing with the carp really won’t leave my mind...
With “Nothing,” the last song comes out of the speakers. Again, there’s the dual vocals (once clean, once screamo), and here the drummer is unleashed after a calm intro. It moves forward in a way that is a joy.
STILL BLEAK leaves a good impression with this EP. Varied songs, good production, and mastery of the instruments come together like a little hardcore concert in between. Refreshing and demanding, adrenaline flows into the bloodstream.
I am looking forward to the album!
