Sweet mother of God: it’s pub-Post hardcore!! Seriously, this is a vibrant effort from Californian agonists Griever (not to be confused with the British metalcore band of the same name), but it’s marred somewhat by a miscast vocalist in Alex Jacobelli and a horrible production which deadens areas of brutality and heightens elements it shouldn’t resulting in tinny cymbals occasionally ruling the sound even through the most bass-heavy cans.
Our Love is Different (Vitriol) carries the sound of a harsh, more weighty Touché Amoré. The jagged leads and closing violence of ‘Malice’ show real emotion while the leadplay coursing through ‘The Tie That Grinds’ evokes the edgy post-punk of Joy Division. Jacobelli’s voice, however, is a consumptive and limited roar more suited to Sludge, and in these surroundings it’s hindered further with each cab doubling as an airing cupboard; though this bizarrely aids the heavy, rapid pummel of ‘King of Ash’. Unfortunately that muffled state dulls the edges of some enterprising and energised riffs and whilst anguished savagery is evident throughout, it’s obvious that a certain sharpness and vitality is missing. The emotive, skipping riffs of the title track descend to a moody subtlety which is broken by a hoarse rasp seemingly threatening to give out at any minute, yet miraculously managing to maintain its wounded bark – it detracts from the emotion but this is thankfully held up by yet more heartfelt leadwork and those switching, often frenetic rhythms.
Post-hardcore is no longer in its infancy so, whilst maintaining an exciting pace and possessing moments of jerking, acerbic battery, such prominent faults are too easily noticeable and threaten bags of promise with mediocrity. Griever possess all of that promise and no little variation too; the sinister and impassioned ‘The Endless Wall’, with its resigned clean vocal, is a much valued departure from the template and shows a sensitive edge to the ferocity.
There’s no doubting that this would be an immense live proposition with the chaotic, sometimes imbalanced sound somewhat more suited to that arena. Through the stereo, however, these guys could brush up on a few aspects before they can be considered all-round contenders.
Maybe a tube of Lockets for starters?
6.5/10
PAUL QUINN