None The Less : 'The Way To Save Ourselves'
Released: 25th May 2009
Label: Irony
If you believe other reviewers None The Less' new mini album 'The Way To Save Ourselves' has something to offer. The reality is quite, quite different. It all starts off so promisingly as a colossal Clutch style riff introduces ‘Payout’ to the ears. Yet suddenly and without any good reason they loose the momentum of THAT riff in favour of the standard hardcore rubbish being turned out by every band under the age of 30. It’s a huge disappointment.
The band continue in this frame of mind for the rest of the album, plundering the stagnant recesses of hardcore, injecting a bit of metalcore and even on occasion reverting to the tired and tested breakdown. But, believe it or not, this isn’t the worst complaint. You see, with ‘The Way To Save Ourselves’ None The Less have not delivered a finished album. All they have are a collection of riffs and melodies stuck together with no coherence. The only reason bands like Dream Theatre get away with 13 minute long epics is because every part, no matter what style of music it is, works together and fits into the concept of the song.
There is potential here though. ‘I Had The World Resting On Me’ seems to be the only finished product on ‘The Way We Save Ourselves’ and reveals what the band might be capable of in later albums. Thunderous bluesy riffs and forthright vocals dominate. Yes it has a (mercifully short) breakdown but the palm muted rhythmic riffage that comes straight after more than makes up for it. It’s the one part of ‘The Way To Save Ourselves’ that feels like a complete song. ‘Four 4’s’ has a climactic soaring chorus and ‘I’ll Feel Like Your Enemy’ again gives us glimpses of Clutch esque genius that the band seem to keep trying to avoid.
So, a half built album from a band who want to involve as many different genres of Metal without being able to articulate them into coherent songs.
Words: Ollie Cornish
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