EP REVIEW: A Fear That Comes Around – Best Of Enemies

Since bursting onto the scene with their 2016 debut EP Sorry State, Croydon four-piece BEST OF ENEMIES have gained much support for an emotive, accessible pop-rock sound, most notably from the likes of BBC Introducing and Kerrang! Radio DJ Alex Baker, and now, the band have delivered a follow-up, entitled A Fear That Comes Around. Comprising of four tracks – taken from a shortlist of twelve – the EP provides an opportunity for the quartet to show off a more mature songwriting style, with the dominant theme being one of feeling trapped – whether physically and mentally – which is made relatable to the listener through the heartfelt, intimate vocals of wonderfully-named front man Sam Christmas, and lyrical content that is rather simplistic yet still effective.

Opener I’m In Hell sets the tone for this offering, packed full of heavy guitar riffs, soaring melodies, sing-along lyrics, and anthemic choruses, accompanied by Christmas frankly detailing just some of the things he has tried to distract himself with mentally, only to give up after a few weeks, for example, trying to learn Spanish or reading books.

Second track Running Rings pretty much treads the same musical and lyrical paths, the main exceptions to these being that the guitar playing is seemingly more repetitive, whereas following number Shake The Feeling sees the band collaborate with Alan Smith, guitarist/vocalist of fellow Croydon collective, sludge-pop four-piece BELLEVUE DAYS. With this, Christmas and Smith‘s vocals blend together to good effect, creating an overall layered delivery that really captures the emotional nature of the lyrics. 24 closes proceedings with gentle acoustic strumming joining the heavy riffery, and Sam‘s vocal tones becoming noticeably softer, resulting in a calmer-sounding conclusion.

Overall, A Fear That Comes Around is an EP that effectively shows just how much BEST OF ENEMIES have grown in confidence and maturity in the three years since their first offering, leaving them better able to craft something that is accessible, emotional, and of diverse appeal.

Rating: 7/10

A Fear That Comes Around is out now via Undead Collective Records. 

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