IMMERSE
The Weight That Holds Me Here
DREAMBOUND
Post-hardcore crew experience a few bumps on their ascent
The second full-length from this Bristol-based post-hardcore quartet follows on from popular debut, Suffer, which boasted relatable lyrics, persuasive melodies and effective riffs – and they have done well to stick with the formula. Burn delivers hooky vocals and memorable fretwork, 23/19 shows their heavier side, and Withyou sees them experiment with a more playful song structure. Sadly, Southbound ventures into radio-friendly territory that’s a touch too predictable for a band who are capable of more. Also, where Suffer’s interludes felt interesting and restrained, here Mon Seul feels slightly pretentious, and More is a bit of a downer. Still, these instrumentals serve their purpose as palate cleansers and the band’s staple melee of fury, hookiness and positivity that surface in particularly exhilarating tracks like Paralyse and Here’s Hoping are sharp reminders of the band’s potential.