The Pitch: Australian metalcore band Windwaker unveil their catchy new EP, Empire. FFO: Parkway Drive, Periphery, Make Them Suffer
What I Like: Catchy is definitely the key word here. Windwaker's unabashed willingness to get downright poppy may turn some listeners away, but I would much rather have the radio blasting this than the latest Cardi B. I'm particularly impressed at how they navigate between djenty, heavy-hitting Periphery-esque riffs and early 00's alternative on tracks like "Reject" and "The Stitch." They create this strange stew of Hopesfall, The Story So Far, Incubus, and Hoobastank. It reminds me of a time when you couldn't go an hour without hearing "Drive" or "Crawing In The Dark." And just when Windwaker seem to be going full pop, they throw in a really impressive noodly guitar riff and harsh vocals at just the right moment.
Critiques: "Colourless" is pushing it in terms of the sappiness factor I'm willing to engage in. I could do with them turning the dial just a notch or two more towards the aggro side.
The Verdict: Windwaker may have come to the scene a good 15 years late, but maybe the time is just right for a resurgence. I think back fondly on post-Y2K alternative radio and would trade any of the current stations for that in a second. Empire has a little ways to go in terms of finding just the right ratio of harsh to melodic, but when they get it right it's ripe for the waves.
Flight's Fav's: Rejet, The Stitch, Arrested
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
SUBSCRIBE to our Trench Talk Podcast on iTunes, Castbox, YouTube, and BitChute. You can also like and follow us on the social media of your choice with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon.
