An all English band hailing from Northampton, ThisOceanBetween have released a mini album with six tracks on it and after dipping uncertainly into it I can report back that there is definitely something else about this band. This 6 piece post-hardcore band combine savage guitar riffery with the most dispairing screaming/haunting melodic vocals I've heard in a long time. They also, in what I've noticed is a growing trend, have got a guy working the keyboard in the background.

I think the reason for this sudden explosion of synth/key usage is down to the popularity and success of Enter Shikari. Other bands don't want to be seen copying them however so by using their unorthodox branch of instruments they experiment and change the sound. This band have found a very good balance between the true metal and the creepy keyboard use. Of all of the songs on the album, it wouldn't be farfetched to say that some of the songs would make very capable singles. The one that jumps out at me is number 5, 'Set Ourselves Aside', a toe tapping medley of everything this band brings - a mix of vocals, keyboard and guitar use that tastes just right on the tongue.

The song starts off with strong vocals and suddenly descends into a haunting keyboard and screaming combo that scrambles the mind of those who listen to it. It then builds it back up to a strong crescendo'ed finish and leads straight into the next best (and last) song on the album. 'Where We Belong' gets the head nodding to some excellent guitar riffery and then the keyboard-vocal combo is bought in, if only for minimal time, before going on with what is actually an awesome metal song.

The vocals have a lot of emotion going into them and that much is apparent throughout and the bands claim to having their audiences 'relating to their material' cannot be doubted. People will want to listen to this band and because of their top notch work ethic in gigging and performing, I can see these boys becoming mainstream very soon.

Damon Tang - Vocals
Darren Aldred - Guitar/Vocals
Wayne Parker- Guitar
Stephen Crook - Bass
Shaun Flynn - Keys/Vocals
Dan Appleyard - Drums

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