EP REVIEWS
"Whisper In The Riot are a five-piece band from Rugby in the Midlands. Whilst their name might suggest that they should be spending all their time quietly plotting the overthrow of the establishment, its probably closer to the truth to assume that these guys have been working diligently on this, their second release. The quantity of content on this enhanced CD is impressive, so for less than the price of a packet of fags you get; four main tracks and two bonus demo tracks, videos, a tour diary, photo galleries, wallpaper and information, for the more technically-minded, on how the EP was made. The work ethic is in evidence again here as you realize that the band (and friends) have recorded and mixed everything themselves - there is no obvious record company backing, even a hint that perhaps they believe they can do it better themselves anyway. The question therefore is, does the quality of the music match the generous quantity of product, and I would say that the answer to this is a definite yes.
The maturity of the song writing, musicianship and production values really are a credit to everyone involved on this project. The first of the fully-mastered tracks is ‘Just A Lie’ and it represents solid elements in the band’s approach to songwriting. There is an atmospheric introduction that makes way for a driving riff and Charlie Brand’s amazingly confident voice. There are different vocal techniques employed from the angry shout to a cleaner sound on the repeated refrain and restrained gang vocals, suggesting that this band see the voice as an integral part of their sound rather than an add on. Guitars provide balance with their own set of tricks, from a challenging solo to a slamming riff towards the end. Track two, ‘The Spoiler’, evokes images of burning and uprising of marching masses through relentless rhythms of guitar, snare and bass drum with a brooding vocal in the early part of the track, which makes way for a passage that has pleasing echoes of System of the Down. A really interesting breakdown follows with excellent guitar work.
Instrumentally, ‘Wolface’ follows in the same vein with pounding riffs and unexpected key changes, however, I do feel that the ambitious vocal doesn’t entirely work on this track, and this can be said for the fourth track ‘Culling The Herd’ as well, although the music still stays at a consistently high standard. Most vocalists wouldn’t attempt some of the things that are set up in these tracks, but it does mean that it is a risky business, especially with the pitfalls of recording vocals in a studio setting. To my ear, the voice becomes slightly strained after a while. However, it could be argued that the conflicts constructed between the instruments and the voice, in these last two tracks, are intentional to reflect the angry nature of the lyrics.
‘Cardia Dynamis’ is the first bonus track and is described as “a work in progress” but, to be honest, I cannot see what needs to be improved on this excellent song! It is actually my favorite track of all and I think it should be destined for a large amount of radio airtime. The acoustic track ‘Follow Me And Fall’ also has a lot of merit and had me thinking of James Dean Bradfield and Manic Street Preachers. This does reflect on the variety of moods that can be summoned through their playing and singing styles, and this should mean that a potentially large audience will find many things to admire in their work. Whisper In The Riot should be proud of this EP."
4/6 - www.sonicdice.com
"If you want to listen to an new band that is loud, heavy, unpredictable and have an singer with a really distinctive voice then Whisper In The Riot might be the band that you have been looking for, the opening track ‘Just A Lie’ opens the EP in style with a minute long soundscape style introduction before the guitars come in blasting at you at 100 miles per hour with Charlie’s very distinctive vocals coming in seconds later, Charlie does well here with his lead vocals and Andy adds variety to the song with his short shout and scream backing vocals.
‘The Spoiler’ starts off with a mix of big arse drum rolls and meaty electronic sounding guitar riffs, Charlie’s vocals come in sounding quite soft, but when the song really gets going in the middle things get turned up a notch or two in sound with marching band style drum beats, thick as fuck guitar riffs and really heavy screams and growls really helping to bring the song to life.
The most melodic and catchy song on the EP is ‘Wolface’ it has one of those beautiful not so heavy sing along chorus in the style of the kind of choruses that Killswitch Engage are forever knocking out, ok its not as good as Killswitch Engage but it’s a proper good effort and makes for a real listenable classic song, with bouncy basslines coming and going throughout.
The heaviest song on the EP is the last track ‘Culling the Herd’ just check out the screams and instrumental work towards the middle of the song, it all proper kicks off about 1minute and 40 seconds into the song and is bloody amazing."
3.5/5 - www.alternative vision.co.uk
"In a world of media globalization and the commercialization of almost any art conceived, Its hugely uplifting to hear a band with this much potential and know that everything they have attained has been through their own hard work, with no help from labels, PR or distribution companies. While Whisper in the Riot don't always hit the nail directly on the head, they still write with such passion they create an almost tangible joy in music throughout this four track EP.
Led by an unconventional but hugely captivating vocal style, it's a fair observation that the self-titled EP is a tad rough around the edges. However for every section that feels underdeveloped, there are at least two that will have your head banging as if your neck had been replaced by a slinky. 'The Spoiler' comes to its cataclysmic end, it becomes the musical equivalent of a rusty nail through a stick, the sheer embodiment of savage aggression.
Charlie clearly demonstrates his capabilities through the winding melodies of 'Wolface' and completely steals the show during 'Just a Lie''s tremendous chorus.
Vastly entertaining this is the kind of record that is savored for its imperfections, as they merely lend to charisma of a very down to earth sound, however with the way Whisper in the Riot are heading, perfection might not be so out of reach in the near future."
3/5 - www.rockmidgets.com
"This 4 track EP is the work of 5 talented musicians from Rugby. Track one ‘Just A Lie’, contains the atmospheric acoustic intro, which builds into a wall of power and complex riffing. The chanting and raw vocals combine to produce an overall sound which makes a great impression on the listener. Whisper In The Riot are certainly producing a sound that highlights their musical abilities. The drum work is lightning fast in places and I believe the talent lies in knowing when to use a variety of speed, in order to compliment the song, which I believe the drummer ‘Sam’ does incredibly well. ‘Just A lie’ lasts just over five and half minutes and if it had carried on for another five I would have been just as entertained. Track two ‘The Spoiler’ has a guitar / drum combination section at the start which puts Whisper In The Riot in a different league - the talent on show is evident. This track reminds me in places of early Revelation Theory, but it also blends a Pantera style which its approach and attitude. They certainly pay attention to detail, as at the three minute point in ‘The Spoiler’ I could hear some complex palm-muted guitar riffing tearing up the background, while the foreground was taken care of by some heavy power-chord work. This tightly tuned outfit are no doubt on track for bigger and better things. ‘Wolface’ is the third track to grace this EP and the guitar work is powerful and heavy, mirroring the vocal lines and drums in places to create the overall ‘Whisper In The Riot’ sound. Ending with another storming track is ‘Culling The Herd’ where the listener is propelled into a world of monstrous passages and defining sequences that leave you longing for another track. Whisper In The Riot play with passion and it is clear to me that they are an upcoming band who, if placed on the bill with a more well-known act, would sweep up a die hard fan base on route."
7/10 - www.UltimateReviewer.co.uk
Live & Demo reviews
"A metal band best described as brutal, they delivered a barrage of heavy riffing, incendiary drumming and vicious vocals, all filled with passion and energy...
Hailing from a genre of music that has become swamped by a series of copycat bands, Whisper in the Riot were a very refreshing and talented take on a familiar sound. Expect big things." -
BBC Cov and Warwick -live review, Stratford 6-2-08
"I can honestly say Whisper… are one of the best prospects I have heard for the UK's reply to the over flowing US hardcore metal scene." -
audiocratic.com
"Oh the sheer ferocity contained within this band is a sight to behold" -
subba-cultcha.com
"Blistering Metal from the UK!" -
melodic.net
Melodic metal is the route taken by Whisper in the Riot who put as much enigmatic thought into their lyrics as they have their name. As far as the metal goes, there's a combination of blast, shred and scream to tick that box and the melodic is inserted forcefully thanks to songwriting that's sensitive to the fact that not everyone can take a full onslaught of metal mayhem for too long.
"We're All Superheroes" seems to capture the spirit of things as well as any of these songs, slipping effortlessly from an almost-emo angsty vocal right through to a bleeding-throated scream. No shortage of guts in that voice!
No Excuses for Reason" steals the show with it's wandering guitar line and fantastic bass guitar.
Whisper in the Riot have four songs to be proud of on this record and, while it may not be to everyone's taste, it'll easily find a home in the hearts of the metal and hardcore lovers out there.
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