First things first, PALISADES are not delivering anything particularly unique on their most recent EP. ‘I’m Not Dying Today’ delivers five perfectly safe synth-metal tracks, complete with the seemingly obligatory breakdown around two minutes into the majority of the compositions. At times there are a few exciting nods towards the (arguably) more respectable generation of synth-led post-hardcore (the breakdown and subsequent vocals on ‘Bury It’ touching upon territory firmly controlled by ENTER SHIKARI and their ilk), however at the core PALISADES are audibly avoiding extensive experimentation.
Despite the absence of the mastery that will have die-hard music fans throwing their cash at various vendors, ‘I’m Not Dying Today’ has enough melody to pull it through, and surprisingly encourages attention. Occasionally the EP falls into the trap that a number of similar releases have succumbed to; failing to find a suitable means to create a distinction between each track, however what they do deliver in terms of captivating hooks goes some way to compensate for this issue.
‘I’m Not Dying Today’ is not “serious” music, and is evidently not aimed at the market that would consider themselves equally “serious”. What Louis Miceli and five friends have created is equally credible through its huge sound and melodic hooks. Three guitarists in the band, accompanied by programming, ensure that the sound remains complex and raucous throughout the record. PALISADES have made a giant leap forward from their days as MARILYN ON FIRE, and this EP will unquestionably appeal to a specific demographic. It is not going to break the mould, but then again it sits perfectly within it.
BEN TIPPLE