On this follow up to ‘Beneath The Hydrogen’, UK metalcore act Cober Mouth show a desire not to be restrained by genre. Whereas that earlier track showed off their heaviest side, ‘Open! Shut’ is more concerned with melody.

…But it isn’t necessarily the kind of melody you’d associate with a band that has metal roots. The opening beats suggest something within the electronica mould, but as the number branches out, things become rather more interesting. The rhythms and bass fall somewhere between classic Massive Attack and the more melodic end of UK garage, and the dual lead vocals take strong cues from late 90s emo and shares a very smooth rap.

Beneath the dominant vocals, there are some fine guitar harmonics dropping in, and these shimmering sounds lend a vital sense of atmosphere, and this really helps to balance out the number’s more dominant rap elements, courtesy of Blue Saint. Blue’s performance is perfectly pitched, however. His speedy delivery flows brilliantly above a melodic bassline and contrasts the guitar harmonics in a way that really works. Towards the end of the number, and with each of the different elements coming together seamlessly, it’s hard to not be reminded of very early Linkin Park – which, for many, will not be a bad thing at all.

In terms of style, this really couldn’t be any further removed from ‘Hydrogen’, but it definitely showcases a talented and sophisticated act who can seemingly turn their collective hand to anything with relative ease. Check out the new video below.