EP REVIEW: Salvo – The Howling
If you’re looking for that gothic style itch to scratch then you can look no further than the debut EP, Salvo, from soon to be goth superstars, THE HOWLING. After wowing audiences opening for emo counterparts CREEPER on their sold out Sangui-Tour, it is safe to assume that THE HOWLING will soon be a much bigger name than they already are with Salvo under their belt. The dash of punk inspired by GREEN DAY and the dash of theatrical bombast inspired by MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE create the perfect concoction for anyone looking to find something new and refreshing to listen to.
Opening the EP is the already fan favourite, Little Promises, a song whose title contradicts itself as the band shows way much more than little promise. Frontman Mikey Lord’s vocals are wonderfully suited for this kind of music as mixes urgent sounding verses with huge anthemic choruses that are equally cathartic and huge amounts of fun. As soon as this song is over you’re back for a repeat listen. It’s a great introduction to the band for anyone who isn’t familiar with them and has you itching for more, luckily there are four more songs to come on this short but sweet offering. Up next is Incantation, which combines the stadium sized anthems with a rough around the edges pop-punk offering. It has a great driving riff that conjures images of sweaty mosh pits and circle pits and does give early CREEPER vibes which doesn’t make it a surprise that they were asked to support them this spring. It takes the EP from one level to another as it shows the band aren’t a one trick pony. They keep their sound just that little bit different that we aren’t getting the same song twice which is always great to see with new bands. By the end of the song, Incantation grows bigger and bigger in its sound as it sinks its nails into you.
Half way through the EP, we are treated to Unholy, a song that slows down proceedings with an almost sultry sounding track led by a great chugging guitar riff on its verses which does also have quite a circus element to it with how it bounces through the song creating a cool rhythm. As the song progresses, it does descend into chaos as it ramps up its tempo and keeps you guessing with which way Salvo is going to go. The answer to that is straight up theatre with Lord’s vocals displaying every kind of range possible adding to the already glorious quality of this EP, it can easily give Gerard Way a run for his money with its fun and over the top nature. The cool, playful riff returns to see the song out before the song fades out into an almost eerie and discordant piano tune which adds a cool bit of substance to the short listen. Penultimate track, The Murder Capital, is straight up horror punk which brings even more chaos to this carnival of madness that is unfolding in our ears. A swirling and dizzying guitar riff keeps the song going once again the song is able to balance some rough around the edge nature with a huge bombastic theatrical moments as it details our descent into hell in a truly glorious manner.
After four solid tracks have made an all out assault on the senses, final track New Religion ends Salvo on a softer note that is almost a ballad. When performed live, it will easily be a lighter in the air moment (or phones in the air in reality). Its gentle guitar riffs compliment the tom led drums well, you’re waiting for it to grow bigger and bigger like the EP has done previously, which does come to fruition a couple of times throughout listening. It does keep going back to the softer melodies after the loud moments which is a great way to bring Salvo to a triumphant end. It creates a melancholic and almost emotional feel with it that does pack a punch before a sweet and sweeping orchestral moment brings the EP to a wonderful and satisfying close.
As far as debuts go, it’s safe to say that THE HOWLING have absolutely smashed it with Salvo. It is full of heart, bombast and huge theatrical moments that bring a smile to your face as soon as the first notes hit. From then on, you join THE HOWLING on what is sure to be a wonderful journey from here to what lies beyond Salvo. Anyone who sleeps on this band would be a fool to do so, and anyone who listens to them needs to spread the word.
Rating: 9/10
Salvo is out now via self-release.
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