Fivespeed claim to be influenced by bands like Lifetime and the Foo Fighters, which is a pretty fair description of what the band actually sound like. With a rockier sound than many of their Equal Vision peers, the Arizona crew have the kind of sound that MTV would probably have on repeat if it was dressed up with a glossy video. 'Bella' is a four track EP, their first for EVR, which I assume is to act as a taster for the band's next album. It's not half bad either - as far as four song samplers go - suggesting plenty of promise.
'Vegas' and 'The Mess' have big shiny hooks that beg for mass audiences, while 'Hand or Rifle' is another song destined for bigger things, even if it's not really my cup of tea. The song structures definitely reference the likes of the Foos - that US alternative rock sound - with plenty of big guitar riffs and soaring vocal melodies. If anything, the vocals lack the character of a Dave Grohl; they even sound a little Puddle of Mudd in places. I know that sounds absolutely horrific, but it's more the vocal style than a direct comparison. I think I should stop now...check them out on myspace or purevolume and make up your own mind.
www.fivespedmusic.com
Equal Vision
Paul
