‘Running on Empty’ was self-released in 2013 by Manchester pop-rockers Landmarks. It turned a few heads and secured a great local following for the band who went on to share stages with Me Vs Hero, Neck Deep and Decade over the last year. This time around the 4-piece have shacked up with Ship Records to bring us another 5-track EP filled with memorable pop hooks and a finely polished sound inspired by modern day UK and US pop punk.
‘40mg’ is the first single from the record. The dual vocals between guitarist Brad Shea and bassist Adam Long blend together seamlessly. The lyrics paint a picture of the struggle with a pill addiction, remaining sombre throughout, but the uplifting feel to the chorus shows the guys aren’t afraid to tackle more pressing issues whilst maintaining a more pop influenced sound. ‘Comfort’ sustains a fast paced instrumental with darker lyrics. Lead guitarist James McCormick and Brad, lock in and intertwine with the vocals with impressive clarity between every line. Matt Heap has done a great job with producing Landmarks, and emphasises their love of more technical riffs interlaced with floor filling choruses to the max.
There is not a point while listening to this EP where it seems as though the band are trying to emulate any of their predecessors, and although ‘Worse for Wear’ introduces a sound a little more comparable to other UK bands like Roam or Neck Deep, the chorus kicks in and relaxed lead lines by McCormick give your ears a fresh new sound layered up with Shea’s rich resonant vocals. We hear this again in ‘Bones’ which is a little bland musically to begin with, but builds with an unalloyed melody and soon has you desperately singing along by the end.
‘Catapults’ is dynamically pleasing with a mix of softly sung vocals over vigorous palm muted guitars. Once the line “you always have your way” is sung it’s too easy to compare this to ‘Always Attract’ by You Me At Six, as it resonates word for word. Thankfully it isn’t repeated again as it does take away from the track momentarily. The breakdown in the song seems a little sporadically placed and not quite relevant, but the track is redeemed and ends on a high with catchy lead line form Brad, and a killer underlying counter melody from Adam.
‘Fighting Gravity’ is a solid 20 minutes of brawny pop punk with huge pop sensibilities. For fans of the more ‘pop’ side of pop-punk this record will give you a short blast of angsty relatable hooks. It’s punchy, ear-splitting and full of life.
LUCINDA LIVINGSTONE