EP REVIEW: Green – Neshiima

The Scottish quartet are probably still pinching themselves after getting called up to participate in the Thursday Board Takeover festivities at this year’s edition of Download Festival but NESHIIMA are certainly not resting on their accomplishments. September 20th signifies the release of their third EP in two years in the form of Green which will also be via independent release. Does it have what it takes to continue their skyward trajectory?

Caving In takes no prisoners, kicking in with a pulsating industrial vibe and bags of energy. The diverse vocal stylings of Liam Hesslewood instantly make their presence felt as he seamlessly chops and changes between slick rapped verses and soaring chorus notes. As the track progresses electronic elements are introduced alongside the punchy guitar hooks further enhancing the sheer catchiness of the track. Green has come flying out of the gates in impressive fashion. Treason takes a little more time to ease itself in than its predecessor but still packs the same level of dramatic intensity. Rapid vocal delivery joins forces with a bouncy pacing and groove induced guitar work. The track is laced with aggressive bursts and swathes of melody which neatly keep each other in check.

Brave picks up the tempo with swift riffing as Hesslewood channels his inner Howard Jones with alluring chorus lines intertwined with venomous bellows. Elements of serenity and calm seep in towards the midway point to take the edge off the unravelling fury. Rush treads a different path to its companions with a less hostile demeanour which instead adopts a more addictive, buoyant mindset more reminiscent of their previous releases. The track still contains the turbo charged energy levels topped off with an impressive round of solo work to give you one last injection of adrenaline before coming to a close.

Whilst containing fewer songs than their previous colour related EPs, Green is just enough to have you foaming at the mouth, clambering for more. This release harnesses the darker elements within NESHIIMA‘s arsenal and feels like a compacted burst of raw energy ready to combust at any moment and will certainly serve them well when they hit the live circuit post release. There are very few bands which can mesh so many influences and genres and execute it without a hitch but NESHIIMA have found the magic formula as they continue to raise the bar.

Rating: 9/10

Green is due for release on September 20th via self-release.

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