Treasures
The Black
Overtones
Alive
Review by Craig Moran
There is something very nostalgic about
Treasures’ EP ‘Alive’. It almost harks back to
the Myspace days where alternative bands
reigned supreme. Treasures angst laden lyrics
are like a throwback to shows I used to go see
in The Voodoo lounge and Eamon Dorans.
Their music could be described as a dynamic
blend of post-hardcore and pop punk.
Treasures are a five piece group consisting of
Nick Beeney (Vocals), Sam Veel (Guitar), Sam
Page (Guitar), Jonnie Adam (Bass) and Jed
Dewsbury (Drums). The five piece are
originally from Basingstoke and have been
steadily gaining momentum on the alternative
rock scene in South England. To date, Treasure
have performed on the main stage at Burnout
Festival, supported Save Your Breath at Slam
Dunk Festival in Leeds and countless
independent gigs throughout England. The
lads EP ‘Alive’ was released on January 26th
it consists of five tracks, since its release it has
been enjoying rave reviews online.
The opening track ‘Home’ brings to mind
previous works of artists such as Alexisonfire
and You Me at Six. The heavy emphasis on
guitar riffs and the raspy, almost growling
voice of Nick Beeney makes home one of the
more memorable tracks on the EP. A slick
guitar coupled with teen-angst lyrics will
ensure this song will flourish on the alternative
rock scene. While Treasure straddle genres of
music associated with teen-angst the lads
58
4.0
manage to avoid clichés and more
importantly, avoid being labelled emo.
‘Our Friends, Our Enemies’ is a high energy
piece brimming with emotion, the lyrics in
this track allow for an engagement with the
audience. As Nick Beeney belts out the lyrics
with strong conviction the crowd can
reciprocate through the chants that are littered
throughout the ending of the song. ‘Our
Friends, Our Enemies’ would arguably be the
best track on the EP to witness in a live
setting due to its high energy and audience
interaction. ‘Do What I Want’ is another high
energy track on Treasures EP that would bode
well in a live setting.
‘The Waiting Game’ feels somewhat out-ofplace in such an energetic EP, its sobering
and reflective lyrics coupled with the sombre
instrumental creates a melancholic
atmosphere towards the end of the EP.
However, despite that ‘The Waiting Game’ is
a compelling track that will pluck at your
heartstrings. ‘Alive’ closes the EP with a
bang! Another high energy song to close a
high energy EP, ‘Alive’ features some
impressive guitar solos and a strong chorus.
‘Alive’ is a promising EP from these
Basingstoke lads, a punchy collection of altrock songs that capture the nature of angst
and frustration. As Treasures gain momentum
in the UK it won’t be long until the lads start
making waves internationally.
3.0
Review by Bláithín Duggan
Previously acknowledged by the Pure M top
10, this Indie rock trio hailing from Dublin
command our attention again with their unique
wave of rock music. Alan Skelly leads the
vocals and guitar, Ryan Daffy plays lead
guitar, and Paul Ames maintains the hermetic
sound of this album with backing vocals and
drums. Skelly and Daffy demonstrate acute
manual dexterity on guitar and create an
intricate web of guitar riffs that transport the
listener into an aural maze of guitar riffs and
rhythms.
This album is composed of four, four minute
songs as follows: ‘Death of a Hero’, ‘Nitelife’,
‘Runnin’ Scared’, and ‘Addiction’. The wave
like opening of ‘Death of a Hero’ establishes
the breakin’ guitar riffs that are a key feature
of this EP. These impressive guitar riffs are
similarly found in ‘Runnin’ Scared’ and the
rhythmic unity created by Ames within the
songs is noteworthy as it sustains the overall
feel of this album.
Having only formed this group less than two
years ago the natural unity of sound is
impressive. The alternative electric sound
created on this album recalls the essence of
late 80s early 90s rock’n’roll. Nonetheless, this
group have a refreshing approach to this style,
and appropriately place their emphasis upon
the music and not the lyrics. This album can
be found on their soundcloud, and is certainly
worth a listen.