EP Clarity // ARTIST Vilify
A journey laden with sharp thematics and virility, the debut EP Clarity from Newcastle trio Vilify is a masterclass in melodic hardcore at the hands of some supreme local talent.
A band built on the premise of equality, both with regards to creative input and searing passion, Vilify brings together the dizzying talents of Amy McIntosh (The Beautiful Monument, Liberties), Keiran Jackson (SETMEONFIRE, Liberties) and Deni Hourihan (Cold Era) in searing fashion. If you like a melodic twist to your hardcore, Vilify will certainly threaten for pole position in your daily listening. But regardless of how you like to consume your heavy tunes, Vilify are a band who can tear your face off with a glistening grin, and their potent blend of punk, metal and melodic mayhem are on full display on their debut EP Clarity.
From the hurtling ferocity of lead single Habit to the dank grooves and raspy breakdown of Deadweight, Vilify take no prisoners as they sonically rage their way through some extensively hard-hitting thematics. And while each of the five tracks occupy a frenetic spirit, there's polish and measured progression at every step of the day. Notably, McIntosh foregoes playing instrumentals here, with Jackson pummeling on drums and Hourihan on guitars, but you'd be forgiven for constantly forgetting this is a trio conjuring an unholy amount of noise (and also seriously causing some huge mosh sentiments on every single one of the five tracks).
Utterly bustling with punked-up jaunt and gurgling menace (Decay), pounding anthemic brawlers (title track Clarity) and soaring emotives (Forgiveness), Clarity not only serves up an onslaught of raw brutality; rather, Vilify effortlessly use the short confines of an EP to flex their stylistic diversity amid the equivalent of a non-Miley wrecking ball with careening riffs, caustic vocals and sharp rhythmics front and centre.
Newcastle has continued to pump out some tantalising talent over the last few years, and Vilify are no exception with their fresh yet familiar take in the world of melodic hardcore. But while Clarity is a perfect example of some engrossing sonic annihilation, its ultimate message of finding self worth elevates this debut release into something defiantly meaningful and memorable. Vilify are undoubtedly a band with utter lucidity about who they are, and this debut release is an ambrosial introduction for whatever comes next for this trio.
VILIFY'S DEBUT EP CLARITY IS DUE OUT FRIDAY DECEMBER 4. FOR MORE INFO, HEAD HERE.
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BY TIANA SPETER