Reviewed by Gareth Hills Nashville-based Manic Bloom's first EP is an exciting, energetic release, an intriguing fusion of Muse-esque prog-rock sensibilities and chugging metal riffage, all held together by considerable songwriting prowess. Sometimes sounding a little like Fair To Midland, this five-piece navigate a course between touches of baroque-tinged piano and crushing, but not overbearing, heaviness. Drummer Jeff Brinkley particularly shines, his style complementing the other members perfectly while driving the songs onward with relentless energy, while Jeff Hildebrand's assertive, yet lyrical piano work (a definite Billy Joel influence here) also deserves special mention, and gives the music its distinctive edge. The songwriting too is mature, and surprisingly raw, as on "Everything I Saved You From" and "Betrayer". However, if there's any criticism I could make, it would be that, while they've found their own sound, they don't experiment with it as much as they perhaps could. Hopefully, this will come as the band establishes itself. Manic Bloom have created a refreshing, hard-hitting EP.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date. Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
|