On their previous single ‘The Final Word’, Kill The Silence took some very heavy riffs and coupled them with an emo-centric vocal to set an interesting contrast in place. It was the kind of track that proved alternative/metal music was still pushing boundaries.
In the main, their current track, ‘Superficial (Carry On)’ couldn’t feel any more different. A quiet intro sets an almost proggy feel in place with its muted guitar sounds, before a hard edged rhythm suggests something more metal based, but this too comes with more of a flow and a very melodic tone. Then it’s all change to introduce a mechanical rhythm and some busy guitar work that suggests a love of metalcore, before everything scales back to settle into more of an emo sound, that plays like a mix of Placebo’s noisier numbers meeting Fall Out Boy, while a post-rock guitarist shares a busy riff. It sounds great, and the genre-bending approach works the band really hard, without drawing away from a strong melody.
Those who love it when Kill The Silence cut loose will be pleased to note that this track isn’t just about the more commercial hooks: there’s still a middle eight that’s powered by pneumatic rhythms and a heavy metalcore chug which, although relatively brief, makes a genuine impact. It really proves that post-hardcore sounds needn’t be niche.
Overall, ‘Superficial’ finds the band very much moving forward, but its more accessible edges seem designed to attract a slightly broader fanbase. With some superb riffs and strong hooks here, Kill The Silence certainly deserve a little more attention.
Check out the video below.