EP REVIEW: Lucid – Save Us

Despite only having formed this year, alternative rock/metal group SAVE US have been hard at work creating their sound. Although their members span two continents, it is clear that the band are onto something special. Question is, will their debut EP Lucid prove it?

The band throw their all into the six songs on this record, free to experiment within the broad genres of rock and metal. Opening song Nightmare is a rock song fit for an arena, whereas Haunt is more synth-led, but even as they sound different they still feel natural together. Third track Endless struggles to follow this a bit; the indie-rock vibe is a nice change, but it feels like the band are holding back on their potential, and when compared to tracks like metalcore heavyweight New Light, with its gutting riffs and harsh vocal delivery, it just doesn’t stick out as much.

But it’s not alone; Distance is also a slower paced rock song, and even New Light has some slower parts, despite all its fast-paced harshness. Closing song Drift is a little peculiar because the production makes the vocals in the verses hard to hear over the instruments, and vice versa when the chorus hits.

Whilst the EP starts off strong, it does fall a bit into feeling like a band who are uncertain if they should push the boat out, which is a shame, because they sound fantastic when they let loose and have fun. To be fair, all the songs having softer moments helps the EP feel cohesive, and this is the band’s debut release so there is still plenty of time to improve.

So ultimately Lucid is a good effort for a debut EP. Whilst it does fall into some of the trappings that are common to debut releases like this, it is clear that SAVE US know their sound, and when they let themselves have fun, the passion comes through loud and clear. It isn’t perfect but it is an enjoyable debut by a band who clearly have a bright future ahead of them.

Rating: 7/10

Lucid is out now via Year Of The Rat Records.

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