Album turning point: ‘Cold Heart’, track number three, happily flitters by with some syrupy vocals and serious pop credentials before the chorus absolutely rips it a new one. Throaty and deep, full of menace, and just completely unexpected, this change-up perfectly exemplifies where Her:Enemy get it right.
The initial impression you get from ‘Hold Onto Something’ is that it’s a pop-rock/emo record in the class of Kids In Glass House, You Me At Six et al. That’s a comparison that fails to stick for too long as the ‘rock’ aspect usurps any pop sensibilities. Sure there are big choruses galore, oft-chirpy vocals and a crisp sound but exhume the riffs, the heavier moments and some intensity and you start to move past The Blackout towards Funeral For A Friend. It’s still the softer end of the FFAF spectrum but there’s definitely some grit to it.
Scattered throughout are some near-acoustic moments that evolve into big, shouty beasts (‘Headlights & Darknights’ representing this best) which, amalgamated with the above, gives you an idea as to the range of Her:Enemy. The Surrey trio plays rock music, but it’s rock music with nuances. It’s safe to say these nuances save the album from passing-by as just another release in an overpopulated market.
In a time where bands of this ilk are waiting to be snapped up by the bigger labels ‘Hold Onto Something’ has been released in true D.I.Y style, self-funded by part-time jobs, utilising the small 100% Records label, and retailing (well, flogging from MySpace) for a credit-crunching £6. That’s an ethic that others should follow. Don’t bother waiting around for the golden lure of labels, now’s the time to just get material out. That’s what Her:Enemy has done and the result is a more than respectable showcase piece. It’s rock for rocks sake whilst still maintaining a cheerfully pop stance. Not bad at all.
Alex