Sheffield hard-rockers Scrim pack a hard punch of modern, aggressive metal
with their latest EP Talking in Code. With full-scale drum assaults,
ear-popping guitar solos, groovy bass and a tuneful vocal that snarls, screams and
spits this demo is indeed set to burst with action.
The perfectly arranged title track Talking in Code kicks the EP off brilliantly.
These guys collide aspects of Hed PE, Linkin Park and Rage well
with a slight Oasis overtone vocally. With some wild lead guitar, excellent drums
and angst-ridden vocals, this track chills and breaks like a wild animal and has to be the
standout. The second track At The Disco is a more traditional, poppy <>Who-esque
look at things. Trippy lead guitars take it underground slightly but it remains a catchy
sing-along that shows the band at their most mainstream. Open Your Eyes allows us
to see another side of the band with a heartfelt, melancholy vibe. For those of you not
massively into solos I have to admit you might OD on them with this EP. I love solos though
and the solo on this track is bloody fantastic. The lead guitarist has real talent and thinks
outside the box tremendously with regards to his playing. The short, fast climaxing Supersize
looks into the past and finishes this fine demo with a modern take on some traditional rock n roll.
After a few listens I found it difficult to tell what all the tunes are about. At times there's
so much fighting for the spotlight you wonder whether less would occasionally be more? Regardless
of that, Scrim have put a superb EP out which will appeal to many people into many different
styles of rock. I will definitely make the effort to catch these guys at an upcoming gig!!!