Every now and again, a band pops up in a local scene that completely wipes the slate, that isn't afraid to start afresh and stand out of the crowd, and that’s exactly what Pontypridd’s CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM have done with the South Wales unsigned scene. With an obvious love for artists such as ENTER SHIKARI, this young Welsh group are separating themselves from the usual generic rock band set up and making some genuinely exciting music. Their début “2021 EP” is a fine blend of post-hard core rock with rich, layered electronic samples, and shows this cross-over band aren't short of ambition OR ability.
The EP kicks off with “2021”, a short and somewhat eerie instrumental piece, the synthesizers gradually building up to form what becomes the powerful intro to “Outbreak”. Some intense vocals from Dafydd Richards over a heavy dose of electronica, the Enter Shikari influence very much evident but it’s been done very well, the chorus being a damn catchy sing-along segment if ever there was one, a brilliant start.
“Eye For An Eye” pulls no punches either, almost punk-like in nature, it’s full of angst and determination yet maintaining that key listener appeal, it’s managed to sound brutal without sacrificing any melody or hooks, again incorporating a killer chorus. In some ways it’s a really heavy dance song, borrowing influence from the likes of say, THE PRODIGY.
“Not Coming Home” returns to an early Enter Shikari vibe, lots of keys in use here and truly utilises the term “electronicore” in which CTA have labelled themselves. Some slightly pompous guitar work adding to the drama, it’s a decent track all round, before the twist in the story that is “Solitaire” ends proceedings with an unexpected ballad. It’s such a turn-around in style you really can’t help but feel the EP Is breaking up with you, it’s not a sad song, but it retains a subtle melancholy within it’s easy-on-the-ears soft rock appeal, it’s like something you’d expect from REGGIE AND THE FULL EFFECT. A real lighters in the air job all things considered.
Ultimately, Clear The Auditorium have successfully injected new life into the Welsh unsigned scene, while the sound may not be original, it’s a welcome change and this young band really do deserve your attention if not for their passion alone. They've made the effort to stand out, and credit where credit is due they've released a blinder of an EP here. With more new music coming this May in the form of “The Final Broadcast” EP, you can guarantee this band is going places. [8]
"2021 EP" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/2021-ep/id623356531
The EP kicks off with “2021”, a short and somewhat eerie instrumental piece, the synthesizers gradually building up to form what becomes the powerful intro to “Outbreak”. Some intense vocals from Dafydd Richards over a heavy dose of electronica, the Enter Shikari influence very much evident but it’s been done very well, the chorus being a damn catchy sing-along segment if ever there was one, a brilliant start.
“Eye For An Eye” pulls no punches either, almost punk-like in nature, it’s full of angst and determination yet maintaining that key listener appeal, it’s managed to sound brutal without sacrificing any melody or hooks, again incorporating a killer chorus. In some ways it’s a really heavy dance song, borrowing influence from the likes of say, THE PRODIGY.
“Not Coming Home” returns to an early Enter Shikari vibe, lots of keys in use here and truly utilises the term “electronicore” in which CTA have labelled themselves. Some slightly pompous guitar work adding to the drama, it’s a decent track all round, before the twist in the story that is “Solitaire” ends proceedings with an unexpected ballad. It’s such a turn-around in style you really can’t help but feel the EP Is breaking up with you, it’s not a sad song, but it retains a subtle melancholy within it’s easy-on-the-ears soft rock appeal, it’s like something you’d expect from REGGIE AND THE FULL EFFECT. A real lighters in the air job all things considered.
Ultimately, Clear The Auditorium have successfully injected new life into the Welsh unsigned scene, while the sound may not be original, it’s a welcome change and this young band really do deserve your attention if not for their passion alone. They've made the effort to stand out, and credit where credit is due they've released a blinder of an EP here. With more new music coming this May in the form of “The Final Broadcast” EP, you can guarantee this band is going places. [8]
"2021 EP" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/2021-ep/id623356531
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