It seems like every single release that lands on the Punktastic doormat is a post-hardcore effort, not that I’m complaining because I am partial to the odd dynamic guitar and crashing drum every once in a while. Just before Christmas we received the brand new five track EP from Exeter’s Cars As Weapons. Another band that mix ferocious guitars with slower, more intricate parts, it’s a record that highlights that the genre is almost certainly flavour of the week – just Cars As Weapons aren’t quite the best at what they attempt to do.
The ‘Bigger Pictures’ EP features some impressive vocal efforts from frontman Will Prowse, who comes across very much like an early Eddie Vedder with a swagger and confidence to belt out the more impressive notes. But while the vocals are at times quite special, the songs themselves can be let down by being a little too ambitious. ‘Failed Insomniac’ seems to drag on a little too long and the guitars and basslines aren’t quite varied enough to really ram home the exquisite vox. The EP’s title track is a far better offering with the guitars scything their way through the song, full of effects and little fills. Will’s vocals are again the standout moments, especially in the chorus which is very impressive indeed.
‘All Contact’ has some of the best guitar work on the record, and the chorus is easily one of the better ones, but it still lacks a certain ‘x’ factor which would make it really stand out from the rest – something I just can’t quite put my finger on. The breakdown three minutes in is also a masterstroke, offering something different and allowing the listener to regain his or her thoughts. The very emo titled ‘Last Insightful Account’ is another good song, but again lacks that special something which would shift the band from division 2 into division 1. Most of the components are there, but for some reason Cars As Weapons are languishing just below the play-offs. The big sound of ‘Stay Awhile’, complete with a massive guitar riff and thudding drums, is a top notch moment, and pulls the EP from three stars to add that all important extra half. Again the Pearl Jam influence is evident in the vocals in my opinion, and the guitars drive and batter at the sub-conscious.
Cars As Weapons can certainly look forward to making an indentation in the UK post-hardcore scene. There are glimpses of what the band can do on offer here, and with a vocalist who can more than hold his own, Cars As Weapons could press home this secret weapon to their advantage.
www.carsasweapons.com
Paul