Rescue were originally formed in 2000 as a side project band, made up from members of other groups. After some great live reviews Rescue quickly became the main priority for its members. Following their first ep release in early 2002, the band treated the public to their debut full-length later last year. ‘Volume Plus Volume’ was released through dead droid records, and features some of the finest hardcore emo you will find from the other side of the Atlantic.
The album kicks off with ‘pswingset’, which is basically three seconds of nothing ness, before launching into ‘like deja vu like déjà vu’, a track that instantly brings the talents of this band to your eardrums. Rescue are a band that have a distinct style about them. True, they may share similar traits with better know artists in their genre, but they certainly have a style that will stand out. This second album track showcases the stop/start time changes that the band frequently employs, together with the ability to switch the sound level from soft to heavy in an instant. All this is wrapped up in layers of intricate guitar work, and strong lyrics. ‘Like Spaceships’ adds another string to the bands bow. It begins with a moving piano intro, before exploding into a beast of a song, complete with passionately sung lyrics and masses of melody. It is a definite album highlight, and a track that will make you hit repeat time and time again.
Jump forward two tracks, and the superbly tilted ‘hey guy, story of my life, ya know?’ proves to be another standout track. Soft vocals, coupled with heavy percussion, and tight guitar work, give a subtle, yet intense feel to the song. It is intensity that is at the heart of most of what Rescue do. Most of the tracks weigh in at around five minutes in length, but the speed and passion of the band sustains the songs over that period, something that many bands have problems with. This is especially notable on ‘fuck pecking order’ and ‘you should go into politics’; tracks that could easily lose the listeners interest due to their length. However, Rescue grab your attention, and make sure they keep it.
‘Volume Plus Volume’ proves to be a great debut by Rescue. It is an intense, passionate and both lyrically and musically strong release. Rescue have developed themselves a style that is unique, yet will be appreciated by a broad spectrum of music fans. The band may be pretty much unknown outside of America, but with releases like this, that situation should be remedied in the near future.
Mark