We open up with "Where You Are" and while not being a particularly high-impact intro, it's got an infectious melody and a simple chorus, vocally, Mikey Lord is really soft here...in places reminiscent of the likes of MARK OWEN and really this introduction swings towards the more, pop-based end of the spectrum, but that isn't a negative. "Lonely Tomorrows" follows straight on and it's picked up somewhat, generally having a little more bite to it brings this into a more pop-punk based territory, and with the success of the likes of NECK DEEP recently, the UK is in a good place for this market and now is a good time to capitalise.
One thing that's noticeable here is that, ASF have a knack for penning really good choruses...here again on "Smoke" you find yourself unable to help tapping your foot or bopping your head, it's really catchy and balances what is really another gentle, melodic pop-based track quite well, before we're hit with a sucker punch. "State Of The Artist" comes out of nowhere and while not being particularly heavy or abrasive in the grand scheme of things, it's tone is far cry from the EP's offerings so far and is a brilliant surprise, fans of REAPER IN SICILY will lap this up, this is great stuff, while "Last Goodbyes" returns to that, easy listening radio pop-rock vibe, pleasantly rounding off the EP.
So...were As Sirens Fall over-sold? Not entirely. Whereas it is clear to see, or hear rather, that they can churn out the charm with their hooks and melodies, and having Romesh in the studio has helped greatly as the production here is so clean, but you look at their influences...YOUNG GUNS..THE BLACKOUT...A DAY TO REMEMBER...and you can't help but think, you've got the inspiration, you've got the aspiration...really push for it. "State Of The Artist" proves they can do it, but the rest feels...safe. A good start but there is SO much more potential in these guys. "The Hospital Party" makes these guys ones to watch...keep them in for observation. Nurse...free up five beds in recovery. [7]