Cattle - Band Review

I was unsure of what to expect when I first listened to Leeds based 3-piece ‘Cattle’. The band label themselves as “noise rock” and, after extensive listening, I agree that this is certainly the most accurate way to describe them.

Considering that the band produced all aspects of the EP themselves, the sound quality is incredible. The drums sound just like a live drum set; which can be a very difficult sound to reproduce, without spending thousands upon thousands of pounds on the best recording equipment. And, in terms of recording quality, the EP would not sound out of place among professional recordings. My only criticism in terms of production is that sometimes the vocals are a bit too quiet - but that's me being picky.

However, things are different in terms of the material that has been recorded for the EP. There is no doubt that the music that Cattle play certainly caters to an acquired taste – unfortunately, it's not really my cup of tea. The first connection that was made in my head, when listening to the self-titled EP, is how similar the vocals are to the audio in the viral YouTube video 'Goats Yelling like Humans'. Though Cattle have done very well to produce the tracks so that they still have a reasonable amount of texture (even though the only instruments used are drums and bass guitar) such a bare line up of instruments does limit the diversity of the sound of the songs. All four tracks are very repetitive and I found myself mistaking them for one long song. I must say though, that Cattle is comprised of two very skilled musicians; the time signature switches are amazing, they sound difficult but are executed perfectly.

I think that Cattle could be very popular were their music to be exposed to the right crowd. As I have before mentioned, they cater to an acquired taste. Though I found it hard to get into the EP, I can appreciate the skill of the musicians and the spectacular production of the band’s debut release. I look forward to hearing Cattle's sound mature with time and seeing what they produce in years to come.

Riff Rating: R R (Two R's)

Review by Connor Langham.

ED WOOD / MONOLITIAN Split EP Review

ED WOOD

ED WOOD at first sounds like old school punk/hardcore, forced vocals and a dull droning sound then as 

we go through the EP progressively gets more thrash. 

"Talking to the void" is the first song on the EP sounding like a dulled down Black Flag with more 

forced vocals, and that's saying something. A little ambient at first then you get hit with the 

strained vocals, like a cross between a funeral procession and an old clock you hear a DING - DONG 

thus making it an entirely unpleasent song to listen to. You're not Sabbath, don't steal the "Black 

Sabbath Riff.

1/5

"When good times go bad" is a little better, the vocals fit better in time with the song, making it 

listenable, the kick drum however seems very out of place, everythings all dull and refined then you 

hear the kick in the background perfectly undistorted. It sounds like really early punk.

2/5

Track number 3. "Dissconnection Notice" is by far the best on this EP, the vocals are bearable, and 

the music isn't horrible, ED - a message to you, if you want people to listen to you, this is the 

track to base it all on.

4/5

"little Mirrors" Sounds like nails down a chalkboard I couldn't stand it for more than 10 seconds, 

ED, Don't make music - Ever.

0/5

Artwork was sick, and whoever designed it ED, would probably play better than you aswell

WATCH THIS SPACE, YOU'RE ABOUT TO SEE THIS CRASH AND BURN, EVERYONE LOVES A FIRE SHOW.

MONOLITIAN

Monolitian "Sea Of Trees" now here's a band with potential, your vocals are good maybe a little weak 

but good. the music itself is put together nicely, fitting perfectly with the vocals, great sound.

Word of advice though guys, don't pair with ED, he'll bring you down.

3/5

Watch this space (Not for the same reason as ED WOOD)

Overall 1/5 ED

3/5 Mono

Sean

We Were Beautiful - This Town EP

We Were Beautiful – This Town EP
Released 4th February 2013
Tack listing

1. This Town
2. The Wolves
3. Death Do Us Part
4. Jealousy

After supporting the likes of Lower Than Atlantis and Deaf Havana, the bar was set high for Liverpudlian rockers We Were Beautiful’s debut EP but it’s fair to say that the band have easily outstripped expectations with This Town.
From the very first note of This Town, the record flows effortlessly in a string of upbeat choruses and beautiful lyrics that highlight the discernible influences of Biffy Clyro and Funeral For A Friend – a doubtful combination that works perfectly in crafting a masterpiece of a debut that will certainly charm fans of every genre. Fantastic heart-felt belter Death Do Us Part juxtaposes brilliantly with Jealousy, a heavier tune that will induce instinctive head banging and have you singing it for the rest of the day.
Not a single second of this superb record is simply average. It’s clear that We Were Beautiful have incredible talent and the future looks promising for the band who look prepared to pull out all the stops on their voyage to get balls deep within the heart of the alternative music scene.

Abbie Harrop