The Self Titled - Defaced
So we featured The Self Titled a while back, so when they got in touch recently about their new album, Defaced, we were looking forward to seeing what they had on offer. As a band who work hard to get their sound out there, always push for improvement and are pushing the boundaries of their music, this promises to be an album well worth looking into, so I figured I should hit play and check it out for myself.
Kicking into being Soul Control we’re immediately tossed into a world of distorted guitar lines, powerful and gravelly vocals, and a rhythm section powerful enough to level a venue from the word go. Kicking into a track which is fuelled by power but with a real sense of funkiness and melody thrown into the mix as well, it’s impossible to resist the beginning of this album. Hard rock combined with a real metal edge results in a sound which is hard hitting, powerful, packed with hooks, and the sort of thing which is going to renew your faith in the world of music. It’s a solid start to the album for sure, but moving on to Twisted the band continue to push the bar higher, this time hammering into a riff straight out of the thrash handbook and letting you know that there’s a hell of a lot more still to come. Once again managing to combine the power with a groovy approach, the band seem to be able to take a sound which should be simple and make it their own, make it more complex, and show that they are going to be a serious force to be reckoned with once people start hooking onto what they’ve got going on. To me though, the best part of both tracks so far has been the bands ability to hammer out soaring guitar solos without a moments warning, lifting the track to a new level once again whilst still managing to keep you hooked in.
As if to make their point even clearer, Stomp kicks into being with a Velvet Revolver style riff backed by a soaring lead line, the mix forming around you and allowing you to hear everything going on. This is a track which has been perfectly crafted for the live scene, the sort of thing which is going to get people moving, beers flowing and venues pumping – definitely something I need to get out to check out for myself. Give it a couple of listens and you’ll be singing along to ‘don’t want to be alone’ and banging your head along to the sludgy rhythms coming from the Self Titled, a serious high point on the album for sure. Coming Home marks a slight change in things, this time opting to pull back from the distortion and instead, forming a opening based around melody and a soft, acoustic guitar line. Don’t be deceived into thinking this is going to be the soft track on the album though as soon enough we’re thrown back into the sludgy melee of guitars, bass and drums which made the start of this album stand out so much. Managing this sense of power along side a real sense of melody throughout, this is another stand out track on the album, and suggests the sort of thing which people are going to beg for live, will want to sign along to, and will propel these guys into the limelight.
Running Scared once again picks up the heavy pace, returning us to those distorted and funky moments, continuing into a flange tainted guitar line to get Mr Nobody going, then on to another hard hitting start for the beginning moments of Intuit. All three of these tracks stand out as moments which define the sound of the band, each one presenting a slightly different outlook but still managing to keep that signature sound at the forefront of everything, it’s a clever mix which the band have achieved and the sort of thing which keeps you listening throughout. Break These Chains follows on and, once again, returns us to the heavy, chunky riffs from the guitar, hammering into a track which is slightly slower than some of the other moments yet still manages to keep the motion of the album moving. Alternating between these slower moments and more upbeat moments, this is another track designed for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get a venue moving and make you want to get down to a show. It’s incredible that here we are on track 8 and thus far, there’s not been a substandard track, each one has matched the quality of the one before it.
Warped reveals yet another side from the band, this time launching us into a sludgy melee of hammering guitar lines and roaring vocals, the mix continuing to show off all of the elements of the band. This is a track which seems to envelop you in sound as it progresses, the sort of track that rewards you for playing it loud, and reminds you why rock is such a diverse and appealing genre, and this is a straight down the line, hard hitting and powerful rock track that you can’t afford to miss. Closing the album with The Silence we’re left on another serious high point, closing with a track which gets the beer flowing, fists pumping, heads banging and feet tapping. To me, a good track is one which makes you move without letting you realise you’re doing it, and that’s what happens here. From the moment the track kicks into being you’re moving in one way or another, and you don’t stop until the track comes to a close – finishing the album on a high point and standing these guys in some serious stead moving forwards from here.
I remember checking The Self Titled out for the first time and thinking to myself that there was a lot of potential there, and this album is further testament to that ability and drive. This album isn’t just something you listen to and then move on from, it’s something that you’re going to crank up loud, love every second of, then get out to a show to see the band for yourself. I’ll be looking forward to hearing what these guys can come up with to follow this one – but based on this, it’s going to be pretty damned awesome.
To find out more about The Self Titled, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking into being Soul Control we’re immediately tossed into a world of distorted guitar lines, powerful and gravelly vocals, and a rhythm section powerful enough to level a venue from the word go. Kicking into a track which is fuelled by power but with a real sense of funkiness and melody thrown into the mix as well, it’s impossible to resist the beginning of this album. Hard rock combined with a real metal edge results in a sound which is hard hitting, powerful, packed with hooks, and the sort of thing which is going to renew your faith in the world of music. It’s a solid start to the album for sure, but moving on to Twisted the band continue to push the bar higher, this time hammering into a riff straight out of the thrash handbook and letting you know that there’s a hell of a lot more still to come. Once again managing to combine the power with a groovy approach, the band seem to be able to take a sound which should be simple and make it their own, make it more complex, and show that they are going to be a serious force to be reckoned with once people start hooking onto what they’ve got going on. To me though, the best part of both tracks so far has been the bands ability to hammer out soaring guitar solos without a moments warning, lifting the track to a new level once again whilst still managing to keep you hooked in.
As if to make their point even clearer, Stomp kicks into being with a Velvet Revolver style riff backed by a soaring lead line, the mix forming around you and allowing you to hear everything going on. This is a track which has been perfectly crafted for the live scene, the sort of thing which is going to get people moving, beers flowing and venues pumping – definitely something I need to get out to check out for myself. Give it a couple of listens and you’ll be singing along to ‘don’t want to be alone’ and banging your head along to the sludgy rhythms coming from the Self Titled, a serious high point on the album for sure. Coming Home marks a slight change in things, this time opting to pull back from the distortion and instead, forming a opening based around melody and a soft, acoustic guitar line. Don’t be deceived into thinking this is going to be the soft track on the album though as soon enough we’re thrown back into the sludgy melee of guitars, bass and drums which made the start of this album stand out so much. Managing this sense of power along side a real sense of melody throughout, this is another stand out track on the album, and suggests the sort of thing which people are going to beg for live, will want to sign along to, and will propel these guys into the limelight.
Running Scared once again picks up the heavy pace, returning us to those distorted and funky moments, continuing into a flange tainted guitar line to get Mr Nobody going, then on to another hard hitting start for the beginning moments of Intuit. All three of these tracks stand out as moments which define the sound of the band, each one presenting a slightly different outlook but still managing to keep that signature sound at the forefront of everything, it’s a clever mix which the band have achieved and the sort of thing which keeps you listening throughout. Break These Chains follows on and, once again, returns us to the heavy, chunky riffs from the guitar, hammering into a track which is slightly slower than some of the other moments yet still manages to keep the motion of the album moving. Alternating between these slower moments and more upbeat moments, this is another track designed for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get a venue moving and make you want to get down to a show. It’s incredible that here we are on track 8 and thus far, there’s not been a substandard track, each one has matched the quality of the one before it.
Warped reveals yet another side from the band, this time launching us into a sludgy melee of hammering guitar lines and roaring vocals, the mix continuing to show off all of the elements of the band. This is a track which seems to envelop you in sound as it progresses, the sort of track that rewards you for playing it loud, and reminds you why rock is such a diverse and appealing genre, and this is a straight down the line, hard hitting and powerful rock track that you can’t afford to miss. Closing the album with The Silence we’re left on another serious high point, closing with a track which gets the beer flowing, fists pumping, heads banging and feet tapping. To me, a good track is one which makes you move without letting you realise you’re doing it, and that’s what happens here. From the moment the track kicks into being you’re moving in one way or another, and you don’t stop until the track comes to a close – finishing the album on a high point and standing these guys in some serious stead moving forwards from here.
I remember checking The Self Titled out for the first time and thinking to myself that there was a lot of potential there, and this album is further testament to that ability and drive. This album isn’t just something you listen to and then move on from, it’s something that you’re going to crank up loud, love every second of, then get out to a show to see the band for yourself. I’ll be looking forward to hearing what these guys can come up with to follow this one – but based on this, it’s going to be pretty damned awesome.
To find out more about The Self Titled, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
The Self Titled - New Track Showcase...
Having featured The Self Titled before, we were obviously excited when they got in touch to let us know about some showcase tracks from their upcoming album so we could check them out. Ever the helpful chap I am, I figured I should check out what was on offer from them!
Stomp opens the selection, throwing down with a soaring lead line before launching into a heavy riff which is surely going to get the world moving. This combined heavy and intricate creates a sound which is impossible to resist, straight away getting you into the music and making you want to hear more. Groove orientated riffs combine with a hard hitting drum backing, the bass roving around as the gravelly vocals do all of the story telling that you could want, continuing to push the boundaries of the track as it grows around you. Catchy from the off, this is a track which shows a band who have been working on their sound, improving their ideas and generally working hard to achieve what they want to do – it’s a fantastic start to things.
Twisted continues the funky and heavy theme, once again launching you head first into a pit of all out power courtesy of the guys – this is music designed to get you moving along, and it’s working. Faster and more urgent than the previous track, there’s a continual barrage of elements throughout this track from distorted guitar lines, pounding bass, pinch harmonics and a hammering drum backing to everything, it’s hard to know where to listen at first but it all soon forms around you. Throwing in a guitar solo just to show they can, the result here is a track which moves from heavy to melodic and back again, all in a matter of seconds. Personally, this is my favourite from the new tracks they’ve got on show here, one which I need to get out and see live.
Closing with Coming Home there’s a display of the bands softer side, opening with a soft acoustic line before moving into a deep and powerful melee of emotional guitar lines, soft drums and a bass line which simply shakes you to your core. Powerful vocals back everything up, creating a sound which is accessible, easy to listen to and thought provoking throughout. This is a moment which live is going to get lighters in the air and people swaying – but it doesn’t last long! Throwing back into their distorted and hard hitting approach to show they’ve not gone completely mad, the track transforms into one which is going to guide you through a range of emotions, all the time letting you know that this is music which is going to stay with you for a long time to come.
I liked The Self Titled when I first checked out their stuff, so I’m really pleased they’ve managed to continue producing music of this calibre. Powerful, emotional, hard hitting and all the time pushing to new levels, this is looking like it’s going to be an album which you simply won’t be able to afford to miss.
To find out more about The Self Titled, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Stomp opens the selection, throwing down with a soaring lead line before launching into a heavy riff which is surely going to get the world moving. This combined heavy and intricate creates a sound which is impossible to resist, straight away getting you into the music and making you want to hear more. Groove orientated riffs combine with a hard hitting drum backing, the bass roving around as the gravelly vocals do all of the story telling that you could want, continuing to push the boundaries of the track as it grows around you. Catchy from the off, this is a track which shows a band who have been working on their sound, improving their ideas and generally working hard to achieve what they want to do – it’s a fantastic start to things.
Twisted continues the funky and heavy theme, once again launching you head first into a pit of all out power courtesy of the guys – this is music designed to get you moving along, and it’s working. Faster and more urgent than the previous track, there’s a continual barrage of elements throughout this track from distorted guitar lines, pounding bass, pinch harmonics and a hammering drum backing to everything, it’s hard to know where to listen at first but it all soon forms around you. Throwing in a guitar solo just to show they can, the result here is a track which moves from heavy to melodic and back again, all in a matter of seconds. Personally, this is my favourite from the new tracks they’ve got on show here, one which I need to get out and see live.
Closing with Coming Home there’s a display of the bands softer side, opening with a soft acoustic line before moving into a deep and powerful melee of emotional guitar lines, soft drums and a bass line which simply shakes you to your core. Powerful vocals back everything up, creating a sound which is accessible, easy to listen to and thought provoking throughout. This is a moment which live is going to get lighters in the air and people swaying – but it doesn’t last long! Throwing back into their distorted and hard hitting approach to show they’ve not gone completely mad, the track transforms into one which is going to guide you through a range of emotions, all the time letting you know that this is music which is going to stay with you for a long time to come.
I liked The Self Titled when I first checked out their stuff, so I’m really pleased they’ve managed to continue producing music of this calibre. Powerful, emotional, hard hitting and all the time pushing to new levels, this is looking like it’s going to be an album which you simply won’t be able to afford to miss.
To find out more about The Self Titled, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
The Self Titled
Described as ‘a brilliant new rock/metal band hailing from the South Coast of the UK’, The Self Titled are out there playing music which is here to shake your soul. Mixing grooves, cool riffs, melody and aggression throughout, the band are due to release their debut album, Defaced, this year. Having been sent a couple of tracks from their EP, I figured it was time to check out what the fuss was all about!
Intuit immediately demonstrates why these guys have been so well received on the live scene, opening with a real sense of funk built within the music yet adding in enough power to move it away from what could be described as mainstream. Powerful groove laden riffs pummel outwards as the vocals take the lead throughout the track backed up by a bass heavy rhythm section. There’s a catchy edge to things here which adds to the appeal of the track, making this into something which gets you out of your seat and moving along, keeping the pace simple yet effective from start to finish. The key to The Self Titled sound seems to be the combination of hammering riffs and soaring vocal lines, creating a mix which pulls you in and makes you claw for that volume up button – the album needs to come with an instruction to play loud so as to ensure everyone fully appreciates it!
Moving into Soul Control things seem to shift slightly, opening with a bass line before shifting into what can only be described as an all out rock track. Changing the vocal style slightly to move away from the Southern Rock feel that abounded throughout Intuit, this track seems to transform as it progresses, one minute being a solid rock track and the next minute oozing with all of the power of a classic metal track. Again suggesting that this is a track which has been crafted for the live scene, there’s a real sense of movement flowing through things here, keeping the pace going and keeping the listener engaged. As a track as a whole this is another triumph from the band, showing off all of their elements and crafting a track which is going to be well received on the live scene as well as recorded.
The Self Titled have got a sound which a lot of other bands have done before, but these guys do it well, and that’s the key! Having spent so much time on the road they’ve crafted their sound into one which is not only energetic and powerful, but refined and accessible throughout. Whether it be the soaring vocal lines, the hammering riffs or the solid drumming, there’s something here for everyone. Based on these two tracks I can’t wait to hear what comes next, and look forward to hearing the album in full once it’s done!
To find out more about The Self Titled for yourself, check out their website HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Intuit immediately demonstrates why these guys have been so well received on the live scene, opening with a real sense of funk built within the music yet adding in enough power to move it away from what could be described as mainstream. Powerful groove laden riffs pummel outwards as the vocals take the lead throughout the track backed up by a bass heavy rhythm section. There’s a catchy edge to things here which adds to the appeal of the track, making this into something which gets you out of your seat and moving along, keeping the pace simple yet effective from start to finish. The key to The Self Titled sound seems to be the combination of hammering riffs and soaring vocal lines, creating a mix which pulls you in and makes you claw for that volume up button – the album needs to come with an instruction to play loud so as to ensure everyone fully appreciates it!
Moving into Soul Control things seem to shift slightly, opening with a bass line before shifting into what can only be described as an all out rock track. Changing the vocal style slightly to move away from the Southern Rock feel that abounded throughout Intuit, this track seems to transform as it progresses, one minute being a solid rock track and the next minute oozing with all of the power of a classic metal track. Again suggesting that this is a track which has been crafted for the live scene, there’s a real sense of movement flowing through things here, keeping the pace going and keeping the listener engaged. As a track as a whole this is another triumph from the band, showing off all of their elements and crafting a track which is going to be well received on the live scene as well as recorded.
The Self Titled have got a sound which a lot of other bands have done before, but these guys do it well, and that’s the key! Having spent so much time on the road they’ve crafted their sound into one which is not only energetic and powerful, but refined and accessible throughout. Whether it be the soaring vocal lines, the hammering riffs or the solid drumming, there’s something here for everyone. Based on these two tracks I can’t wait to hear what comes next, and look forward to hearing the album in full once it’s done!
To find out more about The Self Titled for yourself, check out their website HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls