‘UMBRA’ is like a punch in the face so hard you
shit your pants
Album Type: EP
Date Released: 26/05/2015
Label: Crowquill Records
‘UMBRA’ CD//DD track listing:
1). Magnetar
2). Huntress
3). Scarp
Unmothered is:
Matt Walker | Vocals, Guitar
Joseph Barnes | Bass
Matt Moulia | Drums
Review:
Unmothered is one of those bands that hits you like a car
crash. When you hear them, you think “oh, fuck yea.” So, its no surprise that
their newest release ‘UMBRA’ is like a punch in the face so hard you shit your
pants. Even though its three track roster leaves you wanting more, it’s still
heavy as all hell, and packed full of gritty flavor. While still having a
distinct and original sound of their own which is referred to as “Haunt Rock”
(also, my new favorite phrase), Unmothered has successfully blended everything
I love about groups such as High on fire, Baroness, and Mastodon...all of which
Unmothered could stand tall next to.
The opening track ‘Magnetar’, immediately took me by
surprise with its relentless pounding drums, and detuned catchy riffs. I
noticed a superb execution and great use of time signature change right around
the 1:25 mark, and my neck still hurts from headbanging. On the ‘Huntress’, the
song kicks off with a sort of blackened hardcore feel and takes the listener to
a dark reflective place fairly quickly, as this is the shortest song on the
record. ‘Scarp’, the final track, adds some slightly progressive playing
techniques and a more dynamic approach
that really showcases the bands well roundedness, especially towards the
tail end of the song where there is an atmospheric build up. The song kicks in
again here, and every time I hear it I get goosebumps. Very well done.
Ultimately, these guys get it. I really liked their 2012
EP, and this release is even better. The only thing I didn't like was the fact
that there weren't more tracks for me to blast, and piss off all my neighbors
with...so I guess I'll just put these three songs on repeat! For fans of the
phrase “Haunt Rock”, or other intrigued metal heads, ‘UMBRA’ is highly
recommended. Sleeping on this record however, will be the stupidest thing
you've done in a long time...besides that one thing.
Words by: Joel Willis
‘UMBRA’ is available here
For more information:
Listen: https://unmothered.bandcamp.com/
Follow: https://twitter.com/Unmothered
