‘Tigers & Lambs’ may only be the second EP from Midlands four-piece Alter Eden but straight from the off it provides an incredibly polished sound that some bands can only hope to achieve. Their blend of melodic vocals and enticing riffs are an almost perfect fit and a delight throughout, only being interrupted by their shattering breakdowns.
The EP’s title track perfectly portrays what the guys are all about: they’re here to pull you in with singer Nick Pilgrim’s lead vocals before delivering blow after blow that still gets you coming back for more. This is followed up with ‘Colourless’ which explodes into existence before Pilgrim’s vocals take on almost Brian Molko tone and get you singing along to the incredibly catchy chorus.
Midway through the EP comes the standout track in the form of ‘Resent, Relent, Repeat’ which takes the opposite approach and slowly builds into its rhythm. The riff packs a huge punch in the way some 36 Crazyfists’ tracks do, but also has an incredibly intimate sound to it. ‘Only Human’ is perhaps the heaviest of the six tracks but still manages to blend both screaming and much slower parts. The EP’s last two tracks ‘Count Your Sins’ and ‘We’ve Had Enough’ take on a much more anthemic, guitar-heavy sound, but yet still manage to throw down when called upon.
Clearly the band have plunged their heart and souls into this EP and have been duly rewarded. It’s nothing but a pleasure from start to finish and showcases their abilities perfectly. This month has seen one of the biggest bands to come out of the Midlands, or indeed the UK, calling it a day in Black Sabbath, so it’s pleasing to see that there are bands out there like Alter Eden willing, and able, to fly the flag for UK rock music.
CHRISTOPHER LEE