ALBUM REVIEW: COMA – THECITYISOURS

The future of London-based metalcore outfit THECITYISOURS was dealt a worrying blow as frontman Sam Stolliday made a statement that he was stepping away from the band at the end of 2020. Thankfully it looks like they have fell on their feet with the arrival of Oli Duncanson. With a new vocalist in the fold and their arrival on the Arising Empire roster, they are poised to release their sophomore effort, entitled COMA, on October 22nd. What will this new chapter bring to the table?

Does It Keep You Up? commences with a swelling intensity that only builds as it progresses. Impactful drumming, infectious vocals and enticing riff work mesh together like a well-oiled machine. The emotive, melodic tone mixed with a sharp bite gets this release off to an energetic start. COMA hits you like a brick to the teeth as vicious growls and ferocious instrumentation deliver a powerful blow. The vibrant chorus slots seamlessly into the arrangement and provides an uplifting, accessible quality. Death Of Me brings a buoyant beat to the party as snappy drum beats and alluring bass lines get you in the mood.

Violent kicks things into another gear with exhilarating grooves and a confident swagger. The transitions between heaviness and melody are slickly executed and really bring a dynamic soundscape to the table. Regret About Me takes a more peaceful approach, its pulsing electronic beats and captivating vocal lines bursting into life with another earworm of a chorus segment. Dangerous is like an instant adrenaline rush and the ideal kind of track to get a room bouncing. Swift lyrical delivery joins forces with additional potent waves of riffing.

So Sad wouldn’t feel out of place on mainstream radio with its endearing, relatable tone and mood. Don’t become too complacent however as this one bears its teeth when you least expect it. Body Count on the other hand feels like it is ready to go to war. Abrasive vocal blasts send shivers down your spine. Only Human displays addictive hooks to keep the momentum flowing. The vocal trade-offs keep it fresh and interesting.

Madre possesses a solemn, contemplative demeanour where intentional minimalism assists in enhancing the poignant vocal work. This short but sweet track allows for a brief moment of calm before the inevitable oncoming storm. Barely Alive reels off a string of intricate riffs in emphatic fashion just to add another piece of artillery to the already stacked arsenal, arguably providing one of the stand-out moments of the album.  Save You With My Love is the culmination of all the jigsaw pieces we’ve been introduced to thus far, slotting them all together to offer up one final flourish of passion, energy and melody which ensures it departs on a high.

COMA is like split personalities. One wants to comfort you with a welcoming embrace and the other wants to tear your face off. The chopping and changing styles that THECITYISOURS offer prove for a thrilling and engaging experience as you aren’t entirely sure which way each track will venture. To some, twelve tracks may seem like a large portion to digest, but there is so much to appreciate and enjoy that it doesn’t necessarily have to be wolfed down in one sitting. The only way is up for this exciting quintet.

Rating: 9/10

COMA is set for release on 22nd October via Arising Empire.

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