While most publications seem to avoid reviewing independent releases, I actually enjoy covering bands that aren't joined to a label. It refreshing to hear from passionate artists - it says a lot about a band to not only take the time to release an album on their own, but also to send it off to be reviewed by the "elitist rock critic." And while I won't claim that every independent release I receive is deserving of immense praise, I do from time to time find a diamond in the rough - pardon the lame metaphor. The latest gem to cross my desk is the debut EP from Austin natives Exit the King.
Exit the King kick off this five-song effort with the track "Carthorse." The song is comprised of unrelenting screams and math-metal with technical wizardry along the lines of Calculating Infinity-era Dillinger Escape Plan. The song even diverges into an experimental and droney break for the middle of the track - which gives the song a bit of added character before jumping back into the frenzied mayhem. One aspect of Exit the King that is impossible to miss is the dynamic drumming of Andy Miles. His disorienting ability on the kit provides an intense ride for the listener that will leave your head swirling, particularly on the track "Teorema." Equally as skilled is guitarist (and vocalist) Josh Wardrip - his solos throughout the EP are out of this world.
There is so much going on in these songs as they're constantly evolving. And yet they flow quite well, something that is often lost when bands attempt complex time-signatures and dramatic stop-and-go antics. In an effort to avoid the monotony of too much tech, the band revisits their experimental side on the final track "Yawning for the Guillotine" - think big and bulky riffs in an ever-developing building sequence with more than its fair share of distortion.
This EP is an excellent starting point for this young band. I fully expect Exit the King to bring big things to the table with their future releases. This is definitely a band you will be hearing about a lot in the coming months and beyond.
