THE FEBRUARY SOLUTION

Scottish band The February Solution began life in 2001 as a Glaswegian college band. Since then, they have recorded and self-released three EPs which, according to the press sheet accompanying this demo, have sold 300+ copies. Describing their music as a metal/hardcore/progressive hybrid, The February Solution's influences range from the technical, polyrhythmic output of bands such as Textures, The Red Chord, and The Dillinger Escape Plan to Mogwai's post-rock sensibilities. The four tracks on offer here pertain to a seamless marriage of contrasting styles, where the juxtaposition of cacophonic math-core exuberance with euphonic post-rock melodies works efficaciously beyond a lot of other bands who attempt to play with such musically stylistic disparity. This is epitomised by 'No Escape' - it's Psyopus-esque opening passage accompanied by convincingly snarled hardcore vocals gives way to polyrhythmic down-tempo heaviness which blends into to a mid-section reminiscent of Cult of Luna's more restrained moments (perhaps Johannes Persson's Khoma project is a better comparison?) with some truly captivating clean singing, before the song's different styles are skilfully merged into a melancholically appealing outro that concludes with a final burst of palm-muted thrash riffing. There is always the danger that a fusion of antithetical styles can sound contrived and disjointed, but this Scottish quintet achieve near perfection with their multifarious approach. The February Solution are a band that deserve to be signed as soon as possible, and are surely destined for huge success within the metal scene. Based on these demo tracks, they are certainly worthy of it. Very impressive - go check 'em out right now!

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released demo

EP

[Unnamed Demo]

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

20:27

RELEASE DATE:

2007

TRACK LISTING

1) Autopilot On
2) No Escape
3) Illuminati
4) Weapons

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"...a seamless marriage of contrasting styles, where the juxtaposition of cacophonic math-core exuberance with euphonic post-rock melodies works efficaciously..."