This EP from Views from the Souyz brings a fresh take on an older genre, reintroducing a sound that blends tight riffs with cleaner, more polished production. While far from perfect, these aspects shine as some of the album's key strengths. The guitar work, in particular, stands out as the true highlight of the EP. The riffs are crisp, sharp, and generally well executed, showcasing some interesting musical moments that elevate the overall experience.
The production on the album contributes to the tightness of the sound, with clear and defined guitars that give the record a crisp quality. The drums punch through with energy, and the bass is layered well enough to be noticed without being overwhelming, adding a solid foundation to the tracks. However, where the EP falters is in its vocal presentation. The vocals feel buried in the mix for much of the album, often drowned out by the instrumentation or not prominent enough to leave a lasting impact. This lack of vocal clarity takes away from the overall experience, leaving an impression that something crucial is missing.
Another area where the album feels underwhelming is in its heaviness. While there are breakdowns scattered throughout, they all feel somewhat formulaic and repetitive. The lack of variation or risk-taking in these moments makes the heavy sections feel less impactful than they could have been. The breakdowns sound almost identical from track to track, which leads to a sense of stagnation rather than progression.
Overall, Views from the Souyz has created a safe, solid EP that is competent but doesn’t push any boundaries. It feels like a record made to meet expectations rather than to surprise or innovate, which ultimately makes it hard to remember. While it’s an enjoyable listen with a few standout moments, it lacks the risk-taking and distinctiveness that would make it truly memorable. It’s a fun, if forgettable, release that shows potential but doesn’t quite deliver on it.
RATING: 6/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Caligula
Frozen Black