On Tuesday 8th May, I went to see fiN supporting Hooded Fang and Howler at The Garage in Islington… and to set the record straight from the get-go, I’m not going to even pretend I was there for Canadian collective Hooded Fang, or “Strokes”-alike Howler.

While both bands undeniably played a decent show, Hooded Fang’s blend of slightly out-of-tune surf rock just doesn’t do it for me (but props to whoever in the band came up with that riff on ‘Clap’ – that’s brilliant).

As for Howler? I hate to admit it, but I’m always fairly suspicious of any band hyped up to stratospheric levels by, er, “other media outlets”, before the debut album even comes out… I’m sure die-hard fans would vehemently disagree, and call me up on the obvious comparison, but really, they are just The Strokes 2.0. (I’m sorry!) if not slightly less exciting, and a little more annoying.
Aside from ‘Back of Your Neck’ getting a fantastic sing-along reaction (would be rude not to…), the only other stand out tune, for me, was/is ‘Pythagorean Fearem’. Maybe it’s just because I tend to edge towards the heavier side of things, but I think this song is a truly underrated gem in Howler’s premature crown.

In regards to fiN, I could probably have bias called out on me, but they’re a band I’ve been following for almost a year now because I genuinely think they’re fucking rad. Sure, some of their offerings may hold more than a hint of their inspirations, but it’d be completely unfair to suggest that there’s not something a little new and exciting about these four lads from South West London.

Formed in 2008, fiN have a refreshing and well-executed DIY ethos about them. They wrote, recorded and produced their album themselves in a disused factory in Wandsworth, and are currently in the process of releasing it as six 7” singles – a unique (not to mention bloody clever!) way of getting the 12 track record to their ever-increasing fan base.

Not only are they producing music in an interesting and diverse manner, but the songs themselves seamlessly blend heavy indie and rock vibes with what are unmistakeably pop songs. There’s no shyness about it either, which is what I think really sets these boys apart from the rest, and straight on the course to the recognition they deserve.

It’s not often these days you see a band genuinely play their heart out at every show. It didn’t matter that the main room at The Garage was half empty for their set, as the ones who were there, witnessed a proper show and not the half-arsed bollocks that most ‘indie’ fans have to endure.

This is a band that plays and works like they mean it. It’s a rare thing these days to come across a band you just know are gonna go far, and I personally can’t wait for the day that I can smugly say, “I told you so”.

Words & Photos: Kayleigh-Jayne Bull

The all-important dates are as follows:

Sun 20th May – BRISTOL, Thekla – (14+)
For Tickets Click HERE
Mon 21^st May – GLASGOW, Captain’s Rest – (18+)
For Tickets Click HERE
Tue 22^nd May – MANCHESTER, Dry Bar – (14+)
For Tickets Click HERE
Wed 23^rd May – LONDON, Camden Barfly – (14+)
For Tickets Click HERE
Thu 24^th May – NOTTINGHAM, Rock City – (14+)
For Tickets Click HERE

We also have word that there’s an exciting announcement coming from the band in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that!

The album is out via Rise Records on 18th June and you can catch the band at the following tour dates, with Set Your Goals and Spy Catcher:

Sun 20 May – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells

Mon 21 May – The Hydrant, Brighton

Tues 22 May – Joiners, Southampton

Wed 23 May – The Fleece, Bristol

Thurs 24 May – Old Blue Last, London

Fri 25 May – The Peel, Kingston

Sat 26 May – Slam Dunk Festival Leeds

Sun 27 May – Slam Dunk Festival Hatfield

Mon 28 May – Sub 89, Reading

We’ll be at a few of those dates… So see you in the pit!

From the opening moments of Wither Away right up until the closing of the album with Solitude there is one thing which you’ll notice – this is some heavy stuff. Despite this though, the band have managed to incorporate elements of melody and harmony into their music, not allowing the all out distorted power to fully take over and ensuring that this is an album that is going to be accessible to anyone who listens to it.

Taking the lead from the likes of Dark Tranquility, Dream Theater, Black Sabbath and Killswitch Engage, there’s a definite darkness to their music, using their musical ability to craft tracks which take you along with the band and tell you a story throughout. Notable tracks on the album are As Life Fades – a blisteringly fast melee of rolling double bass, hammering guitar lines and roaring vocal lines, Epitaph – a demonstration of the musical ability of the band and their understanding of melody and depth, and Under Blood Red Skies – a track which the likes of Devil Driver would be proud to call their own. Don’t let this make you think that you’re purely going to be subjected to heaviness though, this is an album which is going to surprise those who think they don’t like heavy, it might just change their minds.

In all, what you’ve got here is an album which sounds far more accomplished than it should be, especially given that the guys have only been together since 2009. The sound that Engraved Disillusion have achieved is so polished and yet so raw that at times you’ll find yourself simply listening, unable to move or comprehend what’s going on around you, but knowing that whatever it is, it’s damned good to hear.

Highly recommended.

Words: Dave Nicholls

Want to win a copy? All you have to do is email us with your name, contact number and in one sentence why you should win such a sought after DVD. Email to dave.massen@rockindustry.co.uk MAKING SURE your email subject title is Competition or it wont be counted

Competition ends 16th May 2012

We’ve gotta hand it to Job For A Cowboy… As far as lyric videos go, this one is pretty rad!
The tune comes off the band’s latest studio piece, ‘Demonocracy’, which was released on 9th April through Metal Blade Records.

They’ve got a busy summer planned ahead, with a jaunt to Japan later this month. They’ll then head over to San Juan, Puerto Rico this June before kicking off the Summer Slaughter Festival 2012 with Cannibal Corpse, Between The Buried and Me, The Faceless, Periphery, Veil of Maya, Goatwhore, Exhumed and Cerebral Bore!

That’s right; to see Exit Ten, with support from My Preserver and White Sunday, won’t cost you a penny…! More info can be found HERE.

Also, a quick reminder that this weekend, on 6th May, the guys release the EP for ‘Sunset’ – you can see the teaser right here on Rock Industry: http://www.rockindustry.co.uk/2012/03/exit-ten-new-teaser-video/ 

It features brand new tracks ‘Drama Part 2′, ’1am’ and what promises to be a stonking cover of Soundgarden’s classic ‘Black Hole Sun’, and you can pre order it on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/sunset-ep/id517499969Pres

Recording sessions are under way for the highly anticipated, and as of yet, untitled third album release. We miss you, Gallows. Their last album release was ‘Grey Britain’ in 2009, it has been way too long!

The band have also announced that their new album will be released through their own label; Venn Records. Good luck, guys.

The Gallows tour dates are listed below for this summer – you don’t want to miss out:

Sat 26-May Slam Dunk Festival North, Leeds
Sun 27-May Slam Dunk Festival South, Hatfield
Fri 8-June Donington Download Festival, Headline Red Bull Stage
Fri 13 July 2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham
Fri 24 Aug Leeds Festival, Lock Up Stage
Sun 26 Aug Reading Festival, Lock Up Stage
Fri 7 Sept Bestival, Isle Of White

Hello Everyone

We’d just like to announce that DIOYY is now on hiatus for the foreseeable future.

After five years touring the world, playing alongside some of our favourite bands and visiting some awesome countries we’ve decided to concentrate on other projects. James and Dan are working on a new EP for a purely electronic project which we’ll bring you news on soon, we’ll also keep you informed of what Chloe, Rob and Mattie are up to. We might do the odd very special gig if our schedules permit it.

Thanks to all our fans and see you on the flip side.

DIOYY x

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so another one bites the dust…. the band will be missed

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