12

Meets Expectations

To say that after three years away, ETID's new album has been highly anticipated by fans is probably an understatement. But does it live up to those expectations? The answer is thankfully, yes. The band provides their usual slabs of nasty, dirty chugging and groove-inducing riffs and the pace on Ex-Lives is often breathtaking; full of ferocious, relentless hardcore energy. If anything the sound here is weightier and darker with some intense drumming and complex riffage really hooking you in from the start; opener Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space forces you to pay attention from the first few seconds when Buckley screams his lyrics at you in an emotion filled voice backed by intense, doomy guitars.

The album also throws in some really corking variations: the more measured pace and strong melody of the superb Revival Mode, which sports some fantastically sexy riffs (and a great lead guitar solo)and on which Buckley's poetic (and often nasty) lyrics take the spotlight; the addictive sing along ending to Drag King which comes at the end of a barrage of metal riffs and Buckley screaming in your ear and Indian Giver, a real highlight, with a dreamy feel and soaring vocals surprising and impressing. Keith pushes his voice throughout the record, crooning his way through many more tracks than before and making it sound easier than he ever has.

This is a short album; often battering you relentlessly with quick blasts of snarling guitar and vocal angst but leaving you wanting more and pressing play again straight away. If anything their tunes feel darker than ever before, with Buckley's moody and personal lyrics playing a big part in this; musically the album is anything but introspective though, the sound is brutal, huge and at times epic. Another great record from the New Yorkers, a must have for fans and newcomers alike.