If Looks Could Kill
With a style described as ‘post hardcore/screamo’, If Looks Could Kill seem to be creating quite a buzz around themselves at the moment, having already shared stages with the likes of Hawthorne Heights, Broadway, We Are Fiction and Lower Lands even though they only formed in 2010. Now primed with their record Breathe Sleeper Breathe, things only seem to be looking to get bigger from here. Due to be hearing out on tour around the UK in June before hitting Canada on September 5th, then the US for 18 days, there’s no disputing the reputation that’s already building around this Leicester based unit – so what of their current EP?
Kicking off with Family Feuds we’re led through an eerie yet intricate melee of piano and strings, building the anticipation for the album and creating a sense that what’s to follow isn’t going to be nearly as soft as the opening moments here. As the soaring vocals lead us to the end of the track, this intro track soon gives way to Through Thick & Thin, pushing all thoughts of soft and serene melodies out the window and instead, hammering us into a roaring melee of distorted guitar work, rolling drum lines and guttural vocal lines. Packing a hell of a punch from the word go, the distorted approach that takes the lead here is one which is sure to ignite pits, get crowds moving, and remind you of how heavy post hardcore can sound when done well. From roaring through to soaring vocal sections, this is a track which pushes the boundaries of the genre, taking the heavy approach and combining it with a serious dose of melody, resulting in something heavy but accessible at the same time. Pit inducing from the word go, this is surely a band who are going to find their true potential on the live scene – suggesting throughout that when they’re on tour – you need to get out to see them!
Continuing this approach into I Bet You Wish I Never Took You To Dinner (Feat Jack Voss from Omaha), the heavy assed approach continues, taking the rolling drums to a whole new level whilst the intricate and heavy guitar work leads the way through things. Roaring vocals once again give way to soaring melodies for the chorus, getting you singing along, joining in, but knowing that live, this is going to be some serious stuff. Raw and distorted throughout, there’s a serious amount of aggression pent up throughout this track, almost releasing as it progresses, giving you a soundtrack to moments of anger and angst in life. Even throwing in one of the most epic breakdowns you’re likely to come across this side of Envy The Fallen, this is a track crafted for the live scene, a track designed to alleviate the negativity within you, and give you the satisfaction of sheer power. As The Dictator comes into being the pummelling continues, still managing to pack a hell of a punch but this time, showing off some of the more intricate lines courtesy of the guitar work. Chunky and deep throughout, this track stands out as my own personal favourite off of the EP, and a moment to make sure you check out for sure.
Moving on to Empty Bones & Broken Homes (Feat Sam Graves from With One Last Breath) we’re presented with the second guest appearance on the album, taking their sound, developing it and presenting us with a whole new beast. There’s something about this track which stands out, something which shows the bands influences whilst still managing to develop their approach into something bigger, more powerful, and quite simply, more awesome. Another track which is surely going to absolutely kill on the live scene, the pummelling guitar work doesn’t take prisoners, the drums set the tone and the differentiated vocals keep the whole thing moving, another serious high point from the guys.
It’s only then left to Dreamer to close things, opening with a roar before unleashing a track packed with power, distortion and heavy assed melody. Drawing on every ounce of power within their ranks, the final moments here showcase the bands style, taking the post hardcore approach to a whole new level and showing just how intense a sound it really can offer. Closing things perfectly, we’re left on a heavy note, a note packed with power, and a track which leaves you with a serious taste form If Looks Could Kill.
If Looks Could Kill are one of those bands who have taken an established genre and made it their own, refusing to accept the conventions laid down by their peers and instead, developing their approach, resulting in a sound that’s going to appeal to the masses. Raw and powerful yet refined and melodic, this is an EP which sets the guys up for the future, the sort of EP that we’ll all look back on in years to come and say yep, I was there.
To find out more about If Looks Could Kill, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking off with Family Feuds we’re led through an eerie yet intricate melee of piano and strings, building the anticipation for the album and creating a sense that what’s to follow isn’t going to be nearly as soft as the opening moments here. As the soaring vocals lead us to the end of the track, this intro track soon gives way to Through Thick & Thin, pushing all thoughts of soft and serene melodies out the window and instead, hammering us into a roaring melee of distorted guitar work, rolling drum lines and guttural vocal lines. Packing a hell of a punch from the word go, the distorted approach that takes the lead here is one which is sure to ignite pits, get crowds moving, and remind you of how heavy post hardcore can sound when done well. From roaring through to soaring vocal sections, this is a track which pushes the boundaries of the genre, taking the heavy approach and combining it with a serious dose of melody, resulting in something heavy but accessible at the same time. Pit inducing from the word go, this is surely a band who are going to find their true potential on the live scene – suggesting throughout that when they’re on tour – you need to get out to see them!
Continuing this approach into I Bet You Wish I Never Took You To Dinner (Feat Jack Voss from Omaha), the heavy assed approach continues, taking the rolling drums to a whole new level whilst the intricate and heavy guitar work leads the way through things. Roaring vocals once again give way to soaring melodies for the chorus, getting you singing along, joining in, but knowing that live, this is going to be some serious stuff. Raw and distorted throughout, there’s a serious amount of aggression pent up throughout this track, almost releasing as it progresses, giving you a soundtrack to moments of anger and angst in life. Even throwing in one of the most epic breakdowns you’re likely to come across this side of Envy The Fallen, this is a track crafted for the live scene, a track designed to alleviate the negativity within you, and give you the satisfaction of sheer power. As The Dictator comes into being the pummelling continues, still managing to pack a hell of a punch but this time, showing off some of the more intricate lines courtesy of the guitar work. Chunky and deep throughout, this track stands out as my own personal favourite off of the EP, and a moment to make sure you check out for sure.
Moving on to Empty Bones & Broken Homes (Feat Sam Graves from With One Last Breath) we’re presented with the second guest appearance on the album, taking their sound, developing it and presenting us with a whole new beast. There’s something about this track which stands out, something which shows the bands influences whilst still managing to develop their approach into something bigger, more powerful, and quite simply, more awesome. Another track which is surely going to absolutely kill on the live scene, the pummelling guitar work doesn’t take prisoners, the drums set the tone and the differentiated vocals keep the whole thing moving, another serious high point from the guys.
It’s only then left to Dreamer to close things, opening with a roar before unleashing a track packed with power, distortion and heavy assed melody. Drawing on every ounce of power within their ranks, the final moments here showcase the bands style, taking the post hardcore approach to a whole new level and showing just how intense a sound it really can offer. Closing things perfectly, we’re left on a heavy note, a note packed with power, and a track which leaves you with a serious taste form If Looks Could Kill.
If Looks Could Kill are one of those bands who have taken an established genre and made it their own, refusing to accept the conventions laid down by their peers and instead, developing their approach, resulting in a sound that’s going to appeal to the masses. Raw and powerful yet refined and melodic, this is an EP which sets the guys up for the future, the sort of EP that we’ll all look back on in years to come and say yep, I was there.
To find out more about If Looks Could Kill, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls