CD Review: Western Medicine – Self-Titled EP
March 9th, 2010 Filed under: Made In Canada, Reviews - Music by admin
CD Review – Western Medicine
Self-Titled EP
Independent
On a whole, Vancouver is a city that embraces and proudly displays its diversity and unique identities of the people that call it home. So to, is the underground scene one of musical experimentation and expression. This is where Western Medicine comes in. Founded in 2009 by guitarists, Roost and Jake, bassist April, drummer Matt and singer Bowsh, Western Medicine is a blend of hardcore/punk and metal and they are here to get some attention with their debut EP.
This album is a snapshot; a moment in time for a band on the cusp of finding their sound. The opening track, “Combustion” is a straight-forward heavy hitter and a great introduction to the band. The album features aggressive vocals reminiscent of rock rap / hardcore vocals which maintain their intensity throughout the entire album. Backing harmonies are provided by April and Roost which give latter tracks such as “Western Medicine”, a new life and relieves the listener from the relentless onslaught of Bowsh. While this is a genre often defined by flat out aggressive singers, there is a breaking point in which vocal dynamics are absolutely vital to keeping the listener engaged in the music. Harmonies that reinforce the underlying musical melody will only help to elevate the overall musical identity of the band to a new level of song writing and performance.
If one looks at this as an album in its entirety, it becomes apparent that there is a lot to go on here. This is a tight unit well on its way to developing a unique sound and making their presence known to all. One can hope that in future endeavours, the band will showcase a singular and unified musical existence rather than presenting the listener with a decisive juxtaposition of styles. Songs like “Big Baby Jesus”, just seem to stray from the style of the other songs siding exclusively to the punk side of things rather than embracing the bands mantra of a fusion of all their influences.
This EP is what it is: a fantastic introduction to a band at the beginning of what could be a very promising career. With several gigs already under their belt, this will be a band to look for at a club near you.
Now listen to your mother and take your medicine!
By Matt Snow
WANT MORE CD REVIEWS? CLICK HERE
Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.
