Ekulu has completely redefined my expectations of what a thrashy crossover band can sound like. These New Yorkers are injecting a fresh wave of energy into the California thrash scene, and honestly, I’m here for it. They’ve managed to carve out their own identity while staying true to the thrash and hardcore roots they’re drawing from, and for what they’re trying to accomplish, I’m a fan.
The standout feature of this band is their vocalist. The way he manipulates his voice is nothing short of impressive. He’s got an exceptional vocal range, shifting effortlessly from high-pitched shrieks to gritty, tough-guy-style hardcore vocals. It’s clear that he uses his voice as another instrument in the band’s arsenal, and his versatility really helps the band stand out in a genre that can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional.
The drumming is another highlight. The beats are clean, crisp, and have a solid punch that drives the energy of the songs forward. The drummer’s precision is noticeable, and the rhythm section really holds everything together. The bass, too, adds to the fun of the album with a crisp tone that complements the overall sound, giving the music a bit of groove and movement.
However, the guitars, while certainly enjoyable to play, don’t seem to vary much throughout the album. While they sound great and embody the thrashy style expected, they start to feel a bit repetitive after a while. It’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just feels like the same riffs are being recycled too often, which can detract from the album’s overall freshness. Thrash is meant to be high-energy, but some of the guitar work could have used more variation to keep things exciting throughout.
Production-wise, the album holds up well, though there are moments when the mix feels a bit off. The overall sound is solid, and the production is mostly clean, but there are a few odd moments where the mixing feels a little strange, though it doesn’t detract from the overall experience too much. I think this music would be a blast to experience live, where the raw energy can fully translate. On record, however, it’s a bit hit-or-miss. It’s fun and exciting in its own right, but perhaps not as gripping on wax as it could be in a live setting.
RATING: 6.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Proven Wrong
Unscrew My Head
Crossed