Volume Zero
I was lucky enough to see Volume Zero when they played the Leadmill as part of the Loud-Stuff About To Break Tour this summer, and despite the sound issues which the band encountered throughout their set (you only need ask them how bad it was as afterwards it was clear to see they weren’t happy with the amount of feedback etc they got), I was impressed at their lively stage show, positive approach, and upbeat tempo of their music. The guys were kind enough to give me a copy of their EP, Heroes, to check out whilst on the road, so after giving it a few listens driving from here to there, I figured I’d whack my thoughts down on paper and share them with the world.
As title track Heroes gets things going, there’s a real sense of upbeat, pop punk style music, the tempo immediately hitting a note which will encourage people to move, get them involved with the band and make them want to hear more. Clearly drawing influence from the likes of Paramore and The Used, the female vocals seem to rove around on top of the accomplished guitar work, the whole mix forming into something which is easy to listen to, accessible and straight down the line. I always admire a band that doesn’t rely on effects or production, and instead can hammer out their own tracks with aplomb – and that’s what you’ve got on show here. Sure, this is accomplished and clearly well put together in the studio, but it’s also clear that what you’re hearing is the band and not some producer or digital effect.
The same can be said for Let The Right One In which comes up next, the track opening much more softly and showing that there’s more to this band than first meets the eye. Soft and melodic guitar lines pave the way to the beginning of the track, the soft vocals once again matching the backing music as the track begins to grow around you, luring you in to listen harder without trying too hard or doing anything which is unnecessary – it’s a relatively simple mix but it works. There’s a real sense of emotion within the lyrics which adds a sense of depth to things, before the mix assumes a far more metal approach. This contrast to a raw and powerful approach is what stands this track out as one to hear, it’s got the range of styles all built into one track, showing that the band understand their music, understand how to please an audience and understand how to write a song. Personally, this was my favourite from the EP, there’s just something about it which I couldn’t help but love from start to finish, definitely a track to look out for.
Closing with 2012 the EP finishes much as it began, with another pop punk/alternative style track, laden with catchy hooks and guitar work which will bring out the air guitarist in anyone that hears it. More restrained than the first track, the power might be toned down but the melody and musical input is definitely once again put firmly on show, showing that this is a band who aren’t afraid to alter or adjust their style depending on their feelings at the time. I remember seeing them play this track at the Leadmill and it’s far more powerful on the live scene, harnessing the power of the crowd as well as the band to turn the track into a live anthem in the waiting, closing on a high and looking forward to the next chapter.
I was impressed when I saw Volume Zero and having heard this EP, I’d be interested to see them again, somewhere with better sound obviously! Throughout the three tracks you’re treated to music which does what is says on the tin, doesn’t faff around with unnecessary elements and instead, simply provides you with a sound track to life. I’ll be interested to see what happens for these guys next, definitely one to keep an eye out for.
To find out more about Volume Zero, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As title track Heroes gets things going, there’s a real sense of upbeat, pop punk style music, the tempo immediately hitting a note which will encourage people to move, get them involved with the band and make them want to hear more. Clearly drawing influence from the likes of Paramore and The Used, the female vocals seem to rove around on top of the accomplished guitar work, the whole mix forming into something which is easy to listen to, accessible and straight down the line. I always admire a band that doesn’t rely on effects or production, and instead can hammer out their own tracks with aplomb – and that’s what you’ve got on show here. Sure, this is accomplished and clearly well put together in the studio, but it’s also clear that what you’re hearing is the band and not some producer or digital effect.
The same can be said for Let The Right One In which comes up next, the track opening much more softly and showing that there’s more to this band than first meets the eye. Soft and melodic guitar lines pave the way to the beginning of the track, the soft vocals once again matching the backing music as the track begins to grow around you, luring you in to listen harder without trying too hard or doing anything which is unnecessary – it’s a relatively simple mix but it works. There’s a real sense of emotion within the lyrics which adds a sense of depth to things, before the mix assumes a far more metal approach. This contrast to a raw and powerful approach is what stands this track out as one to hear, it’s got the range of styles all built into one track, showing that the band understand their music, understand how to please an audience and understand how to write a song. Personally, this was my favourite from the EP, there’s just something about it which I couldn’t help but love from start to finish, definitely a track to look out for.
Closing with 2012 the EP finishes much as it began, with another pop punk/alternative style track, laden with catchy hooks and guitar work which will bring out the air guitarist in anyone that hears it. More restrained than the first track, the power might be toned down but the melody and musical input is definitely once again put firmly on show, showing that this is a band who aren’t afraid to alter or adjust their style depending on their feelings at the time. I remember seeing them play this track at the Leadmill and it’s far more powerful on the live scene, harnessing the power of the crowd as well as the band to turn the track into a live anthem in the waiting, closing on a high and looking forward to the next chapter.
I was impressed when I saw Volume Zero and having heard this EP, I’d be interested to see them again, somewhere with better sound obviously! Throughout the three tracks you’re treated to music which does what is says on the tin, doesn’t faff around with unnecessary elements and instead, simply provides you with a sound track to life. I’ll be interested to see what happens for these guys next, definitely one to keep an eye out for.
To find out more about Volume Zero, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls