EP REVIEW: Strangefruit – Rival Bones

Last year, RIVAL BONES announced themselves as a bona-fide musical force with their self-titled debut EP, a sublime offering that showcased the Liverpool duo’s knack for creating powerful hard rock compositions that left an effective impression on the listener.

Its eagerly-anticipated follow-up, Strangefruit, sees the band wisely elect to expand upon that by taking things up a few notches, which becomes immediately apparent with opener Beautiful/Dangerous.

The track sets the tone by launching full throttle into an intense toe-tapping combination of mighty ROYAL BLOOD-esque riffs and thumping drum beats, both done at almost breakneck speed, supported by an anthemic vocal delivery courtesy of singer/guitarist James Whitehouse, which forms the backbone of the EP’s sound.

However, the two-piece are easily able to prevent themselves from becoming repetitive by incorporating elements of other genres, such as stoner rock, classic rock, and post-punk, therefore giving each one of the four tracks their own distinct flavour.

Tie So Tight is an altogether atmospheric, more blues-oriented affair containing much groove, whereas Pull Me Under begins with guitar strumming reminiscent of BLACK SABBATH at the peak of their powers, with the last few words of each verse containing an addictive vocal refrain, and Hot Blooded rounds things off with a rather punky vibe.

Overall, Strangefruit sees RIVAL BONES on truly excellent form, with them further enhancing an undeniable talent for putting together highly-charged hard rock that is uncomplicated and great to listen to, making the listener crave desperately for more, and will no doubt give a deserved further boost to their already rapidly-rising stock.

Rating: 8/10

Strangefruit is set for release on November 23rd via Alya Records.

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