Luke Wylde
and the
Japes
Lost and Found
4.0
Review by Bláithín Duggan
Review by Dave Simpson
Alt-rock ensemble Scout Killers originated
between the UK cities of Bristol and Bath in
2009. Following their formation, the band
enjoyed success with their first studio effort,
We Cage the Storm. Since then, they’ve been
building up a steady fan base through touring
their homeland and a couple of follow up
records.
The five piece act are currently on the road
again, making their mark on the British live
scene, with confirmed dates as far as the end
of June. The goal is to promote their latest EP,
Stand Your Ground; a collection of five dark
and despondent alternative anthems that weigh
heavy.
The title track fades in gradually, establishing
an ominous atmosphere through slowly
building, brooding instrumentation. A sombre
verse sets in before the music explodes into
tormented guitars and drums, joined by
piercing vocals.
“The Rains” begins with a bracing riff amid
a sobering melody. It takes off during the loud
but bleak chorus, creating an air of fearfulness
and pessimism. “Time and Again” follows in
its wake, introduced by mellow guitars and
reserved percussion. Forlorn vocals lead
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towards more instrumental elements, all of
which maintain a melancholy ambience.
A slow burning riff and sporadic drum beats
get “Honey” off to a hushed start, while a low,
resonating harmony joins in for the verse. The
instrumentation erupts epically towards the
end, biting hard when combined with the
distressed vocals.
“Cease and Resist” features a riff that’s more
lively and resolute than those of its
predecessors, but still quite burdensome.
Aggressive lyrics are passionately delivered as
the pace bounds along purposefully. The
determined guitars and heartfelt vocals serve
to conclude the EP on a musical high.
Scout Killers have partaken in a very
dramatic and vexing style of song writing here.
Stand Your Ground comes with a tone of
dejection and disheartenment that persists
from the beginning to the very end. That’s not
to say that it doesn’t sound good or
demonstrate accomplished instrumental skills
and vocal talent. Just don’t expect it to cheer
you up at the end of a bad day!
Check the band out on Facebook and Twitter
to find out wh