British alternative rockers Mortdelamer have been around the fringes of the music scene for sometime now, with their latest EP ‘Words Within Wires’ looking to finally give the band their “big break”. Recorded with producer Jonny Renshaw (Devil Sold His Soul, Deaf Havana), Mortdelamer have produced an impressive EP that is their best to work to date. The progressive trio list a number of influences within their bio, with the EP demonstrating a variety of dark melodic moments and fierce guitar riffs that keep the listener guessing.
Fronted by female vocalist Claire Sutton, it’s always refreshing to hear a female alternative rock vocalist not trying to sound like Hayley Williams. Instead Claire provides darker vocals similar to Amy Lee that sound incredible alongside the intricate guitar chords, as the Muse and Biffy Clyro influences shine through in the instrumentals resulting in some fantastic tracks.
Opening with ‘Pieces and Reasons’ the track begins with a voice over which is abruptly interrupted by a strong bass line and hard-hitting drums. As the track progresses towards the chorus we are hit with crafty guitar work and strong vocals that keep the track interesting on the ears. ‘I’ve Got My Backbone’ sounds similar to Queens of the Stone Ages, ‘Know One Knows’ with similar guitar chords and recognisable chorus. This track highlights the more pop minded approach by the band, who tone down the alternative rock and apply catchy chorus that echo the ‘pop punk’ genre.
‘Fade’ sees a return to the alternative rock sound, with it being the power ballad track on the EP that has a surprising but impressive breakdown towards the end of the track. ‘The Hide’ is a seven-minute track that fails to deliver, with it failing to capture my imagination with its dark and ominous sound. ‘Searching For Safety’ however makes up for the previous track and is one of the standout tracks. With the band echoing everything that is perfect about alternative rock, with the track reminding me of early Deftones.
Throughout the EP the vocals have been the standout factor, with Claire managing to deliver a fantastic performances whist not letting her impressive guitars playing to be compromised. Overall the EP is raw and unpolished, which is a great thing – whether it will give them their “big break” remains to be seen, though.
ELLIOTT QUANTRILL