EP REVIEW: Ill Minds Part II – Black Coast

If you remember a band called CURSED EARTH, then you might remember their debut album being split down into two separate EPs. Whilst this wasn’t a bad thing in hindsight, it certainly provided a bit of a distraction from the overall impact of their eventual debut release. BLACK COAST seem to be following a similar route, as they release the second part of their Ill Minds EP this March. The Brits have been earning a strong reputation, and this fresh selection of five songs should add fuel to the flame.

Given how much BLACK COAST take from fellow Brits like BURY TOMORROW and even early YOUR DEMISE, it’s no surprise that everything sounds crisp and clean. The kick drums that almost cliched thud into the listeners ears, and it works to elevate the rhythmic pummelling of opening Act II. It’s a shame then, that the momentum is derailed immediately with Solace, proving that listening to Ill Minds Part I before diving into this new offering is almost essential if one wants to get the full experience. This is a real hindrance on Ill Minds Part II as a lone release, reducing the actual songs present down to four and forcing the remaining three to drag the corpse of the EP along after Solace.

BLACK COAST don’t show any fear in wearing their influences on their sleeve, taking huge cues from the likes of COUNTERPARTS in the structure and pacing of Diablo. The quality production starts to pull its weight here as well, as the low rumble of the bass starts to offer more beef to the vicious breaks that populate the second half of the track. The band open their sound even further with the introduction of lead guitar lines on Weird before offering even more screeching riffs that follow the same route as stable mates BLOOD YOUTH.

When it comes down to the last track on Ill Minds Part II, Lost My Limits, to provide the best highlights then something has gone a miss. This track shows BLACK COAST at their most confrontational and is easily the soaring moment of the EP. The rhythmic battering is welcome, and the way the song evolves feels effortless. Act II and Lost My Limits could’ve been a double track release and it would have more impact than this EP as a whole.

Ultimately, Ill Minds Part Two feels a bit redundant. There doesn’t seem to be anything new on offer here that wouldn’t be available on previous BLACK COAST offerings. The awful pacing of the EP suggests that a full release of Ill Minds is likely to be on the way, and if it’s not, then it begs the question as to how much thought went into this EP.

Rating: 5/10

Ill Minds Part II is out now via Primordial Records.

Like BLACK COAST on Facebook.