Genre: Metalcore/Acoustic
Label: Red Cord
Date of Release: January 22, 2013
CHAMPION MELODIC METALCORE
In
the midst of the highly-populated Christian metal and hardcore scene lies La
Mirada quartet Phinehas, a melodic metalcore group packed with energy. Although
they formed back in 2001, they released their first EP “The Phinehas” much
later in 2009 and then their debut full-length record “Thegodmachine” in 2011,
but both releases were enough to gain a moderate following. With another
full-length in the works, this quintet has decided to release a second EP in
2013 called “The Bridge Between,” composed of B-sides and rarities, along with a
couple newer songs. However, despite this record primarily serving as an
in-between album, the vigor and power behind the music make this album beyond a
simple tease.
The
first half of the EP is mostly constructed of heavy and melodic metalcore, including
remakes of a few songs taken from “The Phinehas.” These tracks are performed
incredibly well, with two great strengths with the music: The energy and the
structure. There is so much vigor teeming from these songs that seekers of
energetic music need not look further than in these songs. Every song under
this category is pumped with great hooks, riffs, and melodies laden throughout.
The musicianship associated with this ferocious side of the metalcore coin also
fares well, from the aggressive vocals to the potent drumming to the soaring
guitar work. On top of all this, there is definitely some southern-metal
influence to the music, and this actually piles up more of that energy. As for
the second aspect, the structures of these songs are planned out great as well.
The band knows the right times to deliver the hooks and change speed and
dynamic to keep the audience invested. These songs are great to listen and
swing your fists to, and with the new song “David and the Gate” fitting in that
roster, this is definitely a good sign for the band’s future endeavor.
As
for the second half, “The Bridge Between” contains acoustic songs, all but one
covering tracks from Phinehas’s debut full-length “Thegodmachine.” Another
thing that these songs have in common is that they are done just as well as the
much more violent tracks described earlier. In fact, despite their acoustic
softness, they unleash just as much energy and passion as the earlier category.
This is carried by the musicianship as well, starting with the clean singing
that delivers just enough vitality and emotion to make an impact on the
audience without sounding forced. It also helps that, being a short compilation
of acoustic songs, the guitar work delivers some beauteous melodies, carrying as
much power as the original versions of the revised tracks. The only original
acoustic song featured in the record’s lineup is “Enkindler,” and it definitely
is the highlight of this section of the EP. Along with faring well in terms of
heaviness, Phinehas has also performed greatly in their acoustic tracks.
On
top of the great music “The Bridge Between” has to give, it also brings out
some very good Christian-based lyrics. The subject matter and tone of the
content depends on which side the EP takes in terms of dynamic. When the music
is on the heavier side, the lyrics take on an empowering and positive tone,
with lines such as “Come on, come on, are you a dead man? Pull up your skirt,
we’re on a mission” and “Throw the stones, they weigh heavy in your hands.” On
the other side, however, the acoustic tracks contain more deep and
introspective lyrics, including lines like “If the world gets cold, then why
don’t I build a fire.” Both sides are written nicely, being quite uplifting and
emotional without becoming too preachy, to the point where they can be
pleasurable even outside of a religious scope. This all is enough to make way
for some great lyrics.
“The
Bridge Between” is a short but very enjoyable release. The band has managed to
do great in both areas of heavy, melodic metalcore and acoustic songs. In terms
of the more chaotic realm, there is so much vigor and power unleashed from the
band’s metallic attack that it’s hard not to enjoy, along with how well the
songs themselves are built. The acoustic songs are also stellar, containing an
emotional softness while holding enough force and passion to be passed off as
stand-alone songs instead of simple acoustic remakes. While there is very
little to be offered in terms of innovation for the metalcore and hardcore
genres, this EP is still worth trying out. Not only will melodic metalcore and loyal
Phinehas fans find themselves enjoying this release, but fans in search of
music stuffed with energy in general are also recommended to it as well. “The
Bridge Between” may primarily be serving as a filler release, but until the
next full-length album hits the air, it’s more than enough to keep the audience
satisfied.
Score: 8.5/10 (Great+)
