EP REVIEW: Apricity – Vower

As one door closes, another opens. This is certainly the attitude that the founding members of VOWER have embraced, forming a new supergroup from the embers of cult favourites BLACK PEAKS, TOSKA and PALM READER (fittingly, VOWER play their first ever show as PALM READER play their last, both at this year’s 2000Trees). This truly talented line-up with lots of heritage in the prog and post-hardcore scenes suggests great things are to come, and their debut EP Apricity is further evidence of this.

Opening gambit Shroud is a strong statement of intent – a huge groove formed of an intricate interchange between guitars and drums set the stage for an explosion into a powerful melodic chorus with Josh McKeown‘s familiar soaring voice and raspy shouts towering over the music. It is an introduction fit to become the trademark song in the opening chapter of the band. In The Wake Of Failure kicks in with a vicious DEFTONES-esque riff, following with a verse and chorus which make the shared bloodline with BLACK PEAKS evident, which is bound to please the many fans who regret that group’s untimely disbandment.

Production-wise, the EP sounds brilliant, with all instruments coming though with clarity and forcing through the gargantuan wall of sound. The sound is beefy yet polished, revealing further sonic details upon repeated listens – especially of virtuoso Rabea Masaad‘s intricate guitar arrangements. It’s evident that a lot of work and thought has gone into engineering how VOWER introduce themselves to the listening public. False Rituals digs deeper into the prog influences of the band, subtly shifting through snaking rhythmic patterns in a delicate verse and pummelling breakdown. Eyes Of A Nihilist is the final offering, and acts as a vocal showcase of sorts for McKeown, whose intricate melodic lines steer the listener through the proggy post-hardcore soundscape.

With Apricity, VOWER register a huge introduction on the scene. Featuring incredibly strong songs and a recognisable sound form the get-go, the five-piece display why their previous bands met with large critical and audience acclaim. If this is an indicator of what’s to come, then it’s safe to proclaim that a prog supergroup is born.

Rating: 9/10

Apricity is out now via self-release.

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