Leeds based Thrashers, Crÿptic Shift, have gone through a lot of changes over the past few months. With the introduction of a second guitarist, and their original guitarist, Xander Bradley, now taking over vocal duties on top. The changes have marked a turning point not just in the bands line-up, but in musical direction too. With the rather bitter departure of their previous singer, opening up the bands writing style to the Death-Thrash side of the spectrum. One that the band tell me they've been looking to delve in to for a while. And now come the first release to showcase the new style. The Dustbowl EP
Being 'a bit' on the short side, at just two songs, the EP is more of a taster for what's to come from the band in future installments. And it certainly sounds promosing. The first track, and only original, Dustbowl, kicks off proceeding. The track comes in straight from the off with a very groove influenced riff, and maintatins a rather melodic touch throughout the intro, leading way to a more straightforward verse section. The vocal differences are clearly notable here, with the much more deeper undertone of Xanders voice. The style is much more reminiscent of Max Cavallera or Steve Reynolds of Demolition Hammer. The chorus is a much more upbeat affair, with gang vocals gallore filling most of it in. It's an easy one to follow along with, and although not the most original, serves it's purpose well.
The middle section of the track introduces some cool guitar harmonising that were one feature definetely missing from their previous releases, and the solos are all there. My only criticism is looking to keep the rhythm guitar going under them at the start, as although the bass does help keep it going, it does make the sound rather empty without a rhythmn guitar underneath.
Overall the track is a definite one up of previous efforts, and doesn't feel like it overplays riffs like the tracks featuring on The Old Chapel EP. It shows more a creative assertion, and the band starting to find their seet under a new configuration. After seeing them live for the first time in the new form, you can tell they've gelled well, and are more confident on stage as they are. I definetely look forward to seeing what else they produce in the future. Which by the sounds of it, is heavier songs too come.
The EP is finished off by a cover of Sepultura fan favourite, Arise. Not the first nor second I've heard from local bands, but one done with conviction either way. It helps showcase the bands tightness developing with such speedy and precise sections the song demands. And is again another track that fits the new vocal style introduced well.
The best way to really capture the bands new sound at the moment if you're liking the sound of Dustbowl is too catch them live, and there should be plenty of time for that soon. I'll post dates below for those interested, along with links to the bands as always. Get on it!
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| L-R: Henry Parker (Guitar), Hokumu Blitzkrieg (Bass), Xander Bradley (Guitar/Vocals), Ryan Shepherson (Drums) |
February 18th - South Sea Live, Sheffield
April 18th - Snooty Fox, Wakefield (Full Thrash Assault)
May 1st - The Unicorn, London
Crÿptic Shift on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crypticshift
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions
