As is usually the case with Clean Sheets, once I publish one band's record review, another request for coverage soon slides its way into my DM's. Mouths prove to be no different and therefore here I am reviewing their debut EP A Lower Process.
A newly formed quartet from Sheffield, the band consists of Adam Zejma – Vocals/Guitar, Meg Washington - Vocals, Drummer Nick Spooner and Bassist Lex (apologies Lex for not sourcing your surname). Multi-instrumentalist Jemma Freese who performs with Indie Rockers Maximo Park also makes an appearance on Vocals. Furthermore the EP has been mastered by Jack Shirley a man whose resume includes the likes of Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Whirr, and Bosse-de-Nage. With big name involvements such as these, the members own musical pedigree and the fact that the band are signed to Hamburg's Moment of Collapse Records (home to Abest, Aeir, Torpor) the omens would appear to be favourable.
If you ever wondered what Slowdive would sound like had they come from a Post-Hardcore background as opposed to an Indie one, then 'Pendulums' answers that question to brilliant effect. In fact Meg's Vocals recall the ethereal tones of that band's Rachel Goswell and this proves the perfect counterpoint to the band's otherwise sludgier, pummelling sound. They even manage to sneak in a cheeky blast-beat which helps lend variety to proceedings. A fantastic opening musical statement. 'Leibowitz' has a slower build-up compared to its predecessor, but this is soon dispensed with as a muscular Hardcore groove soon kicks in a manner that reminds one of Floridians Gouge Away. Adam's harsher Vocal style compliments Meg's softer tones beautifully and has one thinkingJeffrey Moreira of Poison the Well, one of Screamo's more interesting bands (aside from genre founders Heroin of course) and one I haven't thought about for over two decades. Another belting tune, this is proving to be quite the habit, albeit a distinctly healthy one.
'Informers', written by the aforementioned Jemma Freese is inspired by American Psycho author Bret Easton Ellis' short story collection 'The Informers'. The music here is a little more complex, less immediate and with unexpected time signatures that require a little more cerebral processing. Basically this is shorthand for, you may need to listen to it a few more times in order to fully get the gist of it. In this respect the sonic density of bands such Converge and latter period Deftones may spring to mind and there's some Post-Metal present too, albeit not the ponderous drawn-out variety which has proven so off-putting to yours truly (as ever there are always exceptions to the rule). A spellbinding tune and no mistake. 'A Feast of Days' according to a recent article in Idioteq “chronicles bereavement without closure through themes from the apocryphal Book of Tobit”, the latter is a Jewish work from the early 3rd or 2nd century BCE that describes how God tests the faithful, responds to prayers, and protects the covenant community (Wikipedia). There is a strong cathartic sense running throughout with a streamlined approach reminiscent of legendary New York Post-Hardcore/Alt-Metal crew Quicksand. As a huge fan of all things Walter Schreifels related, this proved an absolute bonus and ultimately the perfect conclusion to the album.
Considering the fact that this is Mouths first release, its remarkable that A Lower Process sounds so confident and self-assured. Even as someone who doesn't tend to engage with Screamo/Post-Metal all that often, if at all, I was nonetheless impressed with what this young band had to offer and I'm certain that they will continue to go from strength to strength.
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