SEIZE THE DAY

Hertfordshire's Seize the Day are a relatively new act on the scene, formed by producer James Marinos at the tail-end of 2012, and 'Viral' is their debut album. A cross-genre amalgam of metal, rock, electronica and even elements of pop, they've created something which is ostensibly unique in approach although, simultaneously, derivative through its axiomatic influences. Cue sonic motifs ever so reminiscent, in places, of Nine Inch Nails, Faith No More, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Korn, Jane's Addiction, et al. As evident as they are through their music, they wear their musical inspirations on their collective sleeve, and a quick glance at their Facebook page reveals references to each aforementioned artist, and more. However, where this album shines is in its efficacious blend of said styles through some skilful songwriting. On a surface level, it's all about dark electronica and menacingly heavy guitars, interspersed with moments of ambient-led passages. That is to say, it's nothing we've not heard before. However, Marinos' compositional skills elevate songs' stylistically imitative qualities into fairly riveting modes of expression. It does, predominantly, sound a little dated but, I guess, that's a corollary of their approach, pastiching as they are a bygone era of dark electronica-infused rock/metal. Also on the plus side, Marinos has a likeable voice, and one that's befitting of the sonic canvas over which he sings, sitting somewhere between Trent Reznor and Gary Numan. Ultimately, though, the overall effect of Seize the Day's music has been heard many times previously, although they are to be commended for the execution of their fusion. A very promising start to their recorded output.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

One Eyed Toad Records

Album

VIRAL

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

41:40

RELEASE DATE:

2014

TRACK LISTING

1) Addicted
2) Prelude
3) No Apologies
4) Buried Deep
5) Bridget
6) Walk the Line
7) Viral
8) Giving In
9) Fallen
10) A Better Tomorrow
11) Lockdown

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"A cross-genre amalgam of metal, rock, electronica and even elements of pop, they've created something which is ostensibly unique in approach although, simultaneously, derivative through its axiomatic influences."