EP REVIEW: Purple – Neshiima

The Scottish metal scene is thriving with a multitude of new blood eager to make their mark and one band rising to the top of that pile is NESHIIMA. Intrigue is building around the Glasgow based four piece with their unconventional approach to metal, incorporating various electronic elements into the equation they hope to further push the envelope with new EP entitled Purple which is due for release on March 23rd.

Opening track Believe channels crushing riffs combined with quirky electronic trickery, providing a high level of energy and a stern statement that NESHIIMA are not to be underestimated. This sentiment cascades through to Pulled Apart that possess slick rapping passages interlaced with passionate melodic bursts keeping the energy at a feverish level.

Here Forever introduces further electronic segments offering a solid backbone to the sturdy riffing and memorable hooks only enhanced by the talented pipes of Renny Carroll before Who I Am produces the wildcard of the pack, taking a more restrained, chilled attitude with smooth, emotive vocals and a slow pacing beat showing the diverse capability NESHIIMA have in their repertoire.

Final track Wilderness finishes on a fast paced note, upping the ante with a tense intro before driving through with huge sounding riffs. This combined with a swift prose and a huge chorus puts a rather appropriate exclamation point on proceedings but leaves you desiring more.

To compare them to other bands on the circuit would be doing NESHIIMA a disservice. They may be an amalgamation of influences but they have composed an inviting, dynamic array of songs which sound refreshing and their enthusiasm shines through. Having plenty of strings to their bow and a fearless approach to innovation means the realms for experimentation are endless and the future for NESHIIMA could be very exciting indeed.

Rating: 8/10

Purple is due for release on March 23rd via self-release.

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