Safemode – Gold Digger EP

By Ryan G

safemode

It used to be that the only thing about Uppsala, Sweden I routinely thought about was my good friend Andrew’s 6 months studying abroad there. There’s also this powerhouse metalcore group that emerges from this Scandinavian metropolis.

Safemode calls itself metalcore but the fact of the matter is they bring a sound fresh to the scene that has been desperately needed for some time. This is neither progressive hard rock nor the breakdown plus sung chorus/screamed verses plus recycled “chug chug chug” riffs critics routinely turn up their noses at. If “With Roots Above and Branches Below” era The Devil Wears Prada and Saosin had a baby, this might be what would result. The rough vocals aren’t particularly unique – but they work and the strength of the cleans is nearly unparalleled in the metalcore realm. I can only hope this recording reflects the band’s live show well.

The gems of the EP are the singles – “Another Day Will Haunt You” and “Gold Digger: Sam.” This band which is yet unknown in the USA (largely) has found big success on nationally syndicated RadioU with the former, which is predictably haunting. In place of a signature riff we have a piano/synth melody that will both force you to head-bang and get chilled to the bone in a way that is enjoyable…most of the time. Sometimes you need that music that is purely happy (Owl City!) and this ain’t it. “Gold Digger: Sam” is a song whose strongest point, other than the melody, is the drumming. If you want a laugh picture this – me laying in bed, watching the music video for this song on YouTube for the first time. I was tired and I was in a forlorn mood with some things weighing on my mind and I still had the urge to head-bang and kick an imaginary double-bass – while laying down. That’s the power of a good rhythm, my friends.

“Last Push” is an incredibly solid track in its own right, while “Pursuit of Fame” leaves the vocals behind for just under two minutes of synth-laced heavy rock jams.

Safemode is a band to watch. Look for them to play the US more often this year.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdEtnQfAR2Y&h=297&w=450]

Score: 4/5

Safemode is on Facebook, and you can buy the EP on iTunes

Check out these related articles:

War Of Ages Unleash Dominion

War Of Ages Unleash Dominion

For nearly 20 years War of Ages has been synonymous with the Facedown Records label. They have remained one of the most consistent bands on the...

Introducing: Oh He Dead

Introducing: Oh He Dead

CJ and her band Oh He Dead are based in Washington DC. She grew up in the area surrounded by GoGo music, a brand of funk that is very characteristic...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *