EP Review: Moscow – Hell Fire

Moscow - Hell Fire

Stoke of Genius:

Released: Independent, July 25, 2013

Moscow's EP, Hell Fire, clocks in at just shy of 20 minutes, spread across five songs. It evokes comparisons with bands such as Editors and White Lies, but with a heavier focus on distorted guitars, and seemingly more abrasive vocals, sometimes reaching a screamy pitch.

First track 'Down (Hell Fire)' sets out the stall as being a riff heavy, dark and brooding tune, steered by a trembling bassline and a vocal delivery which shows a lot of passion and great control.

'The Night' is a much more poppy affair, with a staccato guitar riff and vocals which sound eerily like Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs. It wouldn't be hard to imagine it being played on daytime radio, until it hits the outro with just under a minute left. Haunting vocals become a shouting rally to arms, which screams for a crowd to shout it back.

'Don't Look Back' is very bouncy, with a bassline which would get an indie dance floor moving. Stabbing guitar riffs offer a different vibe, melting away into a simplistic riff which steers the song in the chorus. The bridge and the outro combine with the refrain of 'Don't Look Back', which is sure to be stuck in the listeners' heads.

'Cold Hands' throws up the comparisons to Editors and Kaiser Chiefs again; very haunting riffs and vocals combining for an interesting mix of sounds. This song shows off the technical ability of the guitarist and bass player well, as they engage in a mini battle half way through, both playing with a high level of expertise.

'Lizard Lords' is the last song on the EP and is probably the heaviest of the five. Again, the riffs and bass sound good and the vocal delivery is at its best on this song. With a hint of a synth in the background, punishing drums and a great bridge and breakdown towards the end of the song, the guitar distortion goes into overdrive and everything is turned up to 11. This could be the song which garners them more media attention than anything, as it shows great technical ability combined with great songwriting.

Overall, Moscow's EP is a great listen. It sets out an agenda and shows that the young Stokies could have a bright future. The sound they play could be construed as being late to the party, but with new albums by Editors and White Lies, and with White Lies hitting number two in the charts, it's clear there is a need for this kind of dark indie rock.