EP REVIEW: Rock Bottom – Savage Hands

At this point, we don’t think we need to elaborate on the impact that the events of 2020 had on everyone. So many ideas and plans were put on hold and everyone had to go into isolation, a time in which one can be productive and use to work on their craft. That’s the story with SAVAGE HANDS and their new EP, Rock Bottom; a product of lockdown following the cancellation of a US tour in 2020. For them, the EP title reflects not so much on the negative connotations of the phrase, but rather on the place they have come from and where they are now. It’s an intriguing concept, but does it translate into the songs on the EP?

Opening track Angel Dust wastes no time as things kick off with a fast-paced rock track, complete with a collective of synths and a distorted production that gives it an edginess that feels genuine. We go through so much when it comes to sounds and styles, one moment it’s hardcore, the next it’s pop-punk, pop-rock, alt-rock and finally industrial. It never stops and it blends so well together. The only drawback is when a scream is attempted in the breakdown but ends up with a squeaky element which takes you out of the moment but, hey, you can’t knock them for trying. 

And that’s the thing with this EP, it never stops, and you never know what’s coming next. Following this is Black Clouds that is very much inspired by nu-metal, with names like LIMP BIZKIT and LINKIN PARK springing to mind, which is then tied together with an industrial breakdown, and this time they nail the scream. The title track then goes in a whole different direction as it opens with a harmony of “la la las” and heads straight into an upbeat, bouncy rock style, accurately depicting the sentiment behind the EP title. Sound-wise, it easily reminds us of SLEEPING WITH SIRENS‘ Empire To Ashes – i.e. an anthemic song that gets you pumped and ready to scream along.

Halo at first has you thinking that we’ve returned to the gnarlier side of things with an opening consisting of drumsticks, an acoustic guitar and distorted voice, we’re ready for shredding but instead we are introduced to another bouncy rock track, yet it’s so good that we can’t complain. Especially with that insane guitar solo that draws heavy comparison to WHILE SHE SLEEPS. And finally, we’re at Smile, which is more electronic rock inspired. Unfortunately, it’s plagued by some weird synths that don’t suit the song and, frankly, are just distracting on an otherwise solid track.

SAVAGE HANDS never stick to one style or pattern, you never know what’s coming next, and that’s what makes Rock Bottom so great. Check it out as soon as you can.

Rating: 8/10

Rock Bottom is out now via SharpTone Records.

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