Scumrise: Super Hits

As a reviewer I'm often heard to moan that a band are happy to play it safe, use the tried and trusted all the time and stay within pre-defined genre limits. But what happens when Finland's Scumrise decide to put that complaint to the test by refusing to stick to one style, or be pigeon holed into one genre?

The answer is simple, it's great to hear, but not necessarily a complete success. It's a million miles from a disaster too though, so let's delve in.

In essence this band was at the time of release a duo comprising Toni Kukkola on assorted shouts, screams and gargles and Joni Kyynarainen on guitar and bass, with drummer Teppo Ristola lending a hand and a pair of sticks, although not necessarily on this EP (I'm far from sure who does play drums here actually) with the ambitiously titled Super Hits being a collection of songs not suitable for the pair's other bands. Whoever they may be...

The result is five energetic, spiky songs that stubbornly refuse to sit still, while shaking out more hyperactivity than most bands would across their first three full length albums and tours. Nothing here reaches three minutes, with "Old And Cold" being the shortest, where odd blasts of Death Metal meet crawling doom, while "All I Need" is the longest, jumping wildly between extreme, restrained, calm, shouty and screamed. It is a bit like Exit International put in a blender with Mr Death, Faith No More and Jeff Healey. If that sounds odd, then you're getting the general idea down perfectly here.

That leaves "Today Everyday" to be a surprising slice of Rock 'n' Roll infused Sleaze meets Blues via screaming vocals, "At The Bar" more likely to start a brawl than quietly down a pint through screams and manic drums, while "Katkeruus barges into sight on a fast yet flabby bass line and careening riffs.

Generic? Hell no! Good? Mostly yes, actually. Worthy of future investigation! Indeed they are!

So, what happens when a band steps out of genre stereotypes and middle of the road blandness? Truth be told I'm still not sure, but it's pretty good and called Scumrise!

Track Listing
1. At The Bar
2. Today Everyday
3. Old And Cold
4. All I Need
5. Katkeruus

Added: October 4th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Scumrise at BandCamp
Hits: 2043
Language: english

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