A second satisfying offering.
It's a year on since Scotland's Wolves At Heart released their EP "Be Your Own Best Friend", and it is clear that the 12 months have brought forth a slightly more mature sound. Previously the band played Pop/Punk with a hard edge, however this time around with the "Write It Down" EP they lean more towards Emo/Punk. It's like a mix between the thoughtful lyrics of Relient K and Brand New with music from Saves The Day and Hundred Reasons.
From the beginning of the first song, 'Fingers Crossed', the chugging Metal guitar riff suggests that there is little Pop/Punk this time around. I am a big fan of words that aren't throwaway, which again shows how far removed they are from Pop/Punk and you get that in bundles here: "If today wasn't a complete waste// but coming close isn't close enough for me// but coming close is still the best I'ver been all week". It's like Relient K have added Metal guitars and suddenly favour a more aggressive sound as they go into 'Half The Losing Battle'. "Subtlety is not my strong suit // and Patience is a waste of time" Keir sings out proudly.
The songs get better as the EP plays out mainly due to a little more guitar work, as the first two songs have a slightly intricate rhythm section, the guitars remain as a gentle riff so as not to detract away from the lyrics. 'It's Time To Go Home' Has a ferocious start and a quicker beat throughout and could be Angels & Airwaves on speed...'Why Did I Ever Come Here' builds up nicely into a song all about tension within a relationship, before the final song and EP title track bursts out of the speakers. As with most title tracks from EP's it is the best song here, managing to both be mid-tempo, catchy and lyrically complex. A great song.
"Write It Down" shows that the band are on the right track and they can only go from strength to strength from here. Well worth a purchase.