If you go down in the woods today...
Although Lorenza Woods sounds as though it should be the name of a folk singer-songwriter, it is in fact the name West Yorkshire's latest rock/metal offering. Balancing the anger-soaked vocals of singer Sarah Green with crunching guitar work and punching drums, the British foursome touch on a furious sound that equally delivers moments of refuge.
'Fall In Line' and 'Non Believers' are fine examples of this calmer nature, venturing into more serene territory before roaring back into sections of ferocity. As with various instances throughout this five track expedition, electronic components are scattered creatively and add to a sense of identity that has admittedly yet to fully form. Closing track 'Soldier Boy' (no, it's got nothing to do with the American rapper) has a intriguing Evanescence-like strength to it, as Green's vocals tower above seas of chordal distortion and pumping riffs.
Although they are not always employed, the vocal effects that often cloak Green's voice seem ill-fitting. Credit can be given to the group and their producer/guitarist Mik Crone for their bravery in attempting to seek vocal distinctness, but a clean sound would have worked far better and would not give the impression that the effects are used to disguise weaknesses/insecurities. Crone's guitar parts chug with satisfying weight, with the instrumental tone and compositional style of the riffage on 'This Part's For You' bearing the slightest of resemblances to Jim Root and Mick Thomson's opening to Slipknot's 'Before I Forget'.
This self-titled EP from Lorenza Woods possesses quite a number of elements that entice their listeners, encouraging them to listen on. Yet despite these instances of sparkling potential, their blend of rock and metal generally fails to convince. Having said this, they certainly do not seem to be a one trick pony and the quartet could easily develop an established studio sound with a little more creative experimentation. It is still early days for Lorenza Woods; let's just allow them time to grow.