Written by Tom Bedding]
The Leeds outfit offer extra grit and determination on their new EP, celebrating how unique we all are and giving the much needed two fingers to the haters and powers that be. Get ready to rock out even more with this alt rock band.
If you want a song to really showcase the angst, spirit and sound that ARTIO are all about, then the opener ‘BillionairesNightmare’ is the one that nails it on the head. The EP starts with a bang with a song that is fighting against the wealthy establishment with desire and true passion, rallying everyone together to use their unique differences to fight against a system, that aims to push them down. It is beautiful how this song wants to stick two fingers up to ones in power by bringing everyone together, celebrating their gender, sexuality, background or race and proving that individuality is one of humanities greatest strengths. ARTIO begin ‘Shapeshifter..’ by laying down their cards that show their desire for a better and inclusive world…you gotta love them, right.
‘Teeth’ begins with a seductive vocal melody that draws you in and brings so much character to the track, something that could easily get lost when you’re entering the heavier sides of alternative rock. Instrumentally, it really packs a punch when the chorus hits and creates such a reckoning mood with the drum parts, it really compliments the grit found in the lyrics about dealing with negative people, who are selfish and incredibly jealous of you. For a band so young, who released their fair share of music already, their exploration into wanting to recreate the sounds of Bring Me The Horizon and Architects is impressive and a sign how this band can willingly adapt, to match their world dominating ambitions.
With wanting to explore the sounds of U.K. heavy metal with this EP, it was key for the band to offer a song that felt unique in the popular genre/movement. Luckily, ‘Your Name’ does exactly that, as it shines so much and outdoes a lot of what a lot of bands from that realm are trying to achieve.
Lead Singer Hol, sounds incredible and beastly throughout the song, giving us the best vocal performance on the EP, over the standout melody on the entire project too. The guitar line is fantastic, giving the chorus such a release and then when we are given the call and response backing vocals….you can just feel the heat and sweat of a moshing crowd!!!!
Next, the synths have a great industrial and slimy fun on the beat heavy belter, ‘Dracula’. The production work by the band stands out impressively here, giving us such life and expression through the synth work and showcases how ARTIO don’t want to simply do things one way. You could be wishing to hear the guitar rip through the heavy production on this song, however with the vocals and spirit of the band shining here, you can still feel how human this sound is.
‘Shapeshifter..’ finishes in dramatic fashion, with a song that is perfect for a great singalong for the ever-growing fanbase of the band. ‘Blubud’ has a great moment with some backing strings from the synths, complimenting the soaring vocals, you can hear and feel the potential of this three-piece band in so many moments on the EP.
Sadly the song does finish quicker than expected, potentially an over the top bridge that leaves you raising your arms to the sky could have magically concluded this impressive EP, hopefully we something like that next time. Nevertheless, ARTIO offer something that so many new bands are lacking and are truly delivering positive messages, that can bring the most disenfranchised of people together in a notion of hope and change.
Bring Me The Music Recommended Tracks: Billionaire Nightmare and Your Name
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