EP: In the Absence of Light // ARTIST: SVCRED
A metaphorical absence of light breeds a darkly determined stroke of alt-metal from Melb rockers SVCRED and their brand new EP 'In the Absence of Light'.
Debuting as a live band in 2017 and releasing their debut EP 'The Portrait' just last year, SVCRED have evolved over the years from grungier territories into full-blown alternative metal devotees, embracing everything from post-hardcore tinges to metalcore, hard rock and more - and it's this notion that is seen most readily on their freshly released sophomore EP 'In the Absence of Light' that unleashed last week.
'In the Absence of Light' opens up with ambient undertones and grizzled riffs as clean and harsh vocals battle it out throughout 'I Despise' over chugging rhythmics. 'Nevermore' follows next with its post-harcore heart on its sleeve, clutching at some potentially emo edges while solidly steering to its conclusion through some commanding bass courtesy of Bailey Pitcaithley.
NEVERMORE (SVCRED)
Halfway points 'In Reverie' and ' Sic' balance some significant light and shade, with harder rock moments kicking into 'In Reverie' amongst soaring, crooning choruses, and ambient oscillations purring behind gloomy, sparse machinations on 'Sic'.
'Witness' seamlessly flows on from the more diminutive 'Sic', building its occasionally scant textures into an alternative anthemic daydream. It's here we hear a more powerful side of frontman James Hair as he dips his vocal toes into the dulcet worlds of Dead Letter Circus and Karnivool over the occasional beseeching screech. The EP ultimately closes out with heavier riffs, crunching harmonies and some gothic overtones on 'My Paradise' as the SVCRED lads combine their distinct love for grooves and smooth melodic moves in their closing track.
MY PARADISE (SVCRED)
Overall, 'In the Absence of Light' gifts not only a sharp focus into engaging progression and furtive introspection, but also a clear comparable juncture for how far SVCRED have come both technically and creatively in a short space of time. 'In the Absence of Light' brings with it a candescent cloud of alt-rock elasticity that firmly paints the SCVRED gents as ones to continue to watch.
SVCRED'S BRAND NEW EP 'IN THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT' OFFICIALLY DROPPED LATE LAST WEEK,
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BY TIANA SPETER