There has to be something in the water in south-west England. Following phenomenal recent releases from Cornish bands Veils and Crocus, Plymouth’s Brotherhood Of The Lake here unleash a behemoth of titanic proportions. Taking its title from the unlikely source of a Pink Floyd lyric, ‘Desperation Is The English Way Vol. 1′ sets out its stall early and never relents.
My only previous exposure to this band was a slightly underwhelming support slot with Pianos Become The Teeth, and one could be forgiven for making assumptions of this band based on its label, Thirty Days Of Night, which could easily be confused with a clothing label nowadays. However, this is a bludgeoning revisit to the metalcore of the early to mid-00s, bringing to mind the likes of early Norma Jean, Botch, Poison The Well and Drowningman. The cathartic nature of the lyrics are a revelation given this is a d̩but full-length Рprevalent themes of desperation, hopelessness and a society in decline are roared out over the squall.
In an age where originality is almost a commodity in hardcore, this is a ferocious effort that acts as a call-to-arms in a similar fashion to Gallows’ 2009 opus ‘Grey Britain’. Tracks like ‘Hosts’, ‘You’ll Never Dream’ and ‘The Desperation’ ring around the ears with unfettered power and clarity – ignore this one at your peril.
OLLIE CONNORS