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Featuring former Underoath guitarist Octavio Hernandez, it's no surprise Anam Cara churns out melodic and accessible metal/hardcore. The band's four-song, debut EP is especially similar to "The Changing Of Times"-era Underoath, but ditches any electronic additions in favor of increased metallic guitar riffing and chug-heavy breakdowns. While I'm put off by the lack of any true innovation, Anam Cara at least has some sort of identity in their familiar musicianship.
If anything about Anam Cara's self-titled EP is striking, it's the way they achieve a highly melodic sound without employing so much as clean singing. Guitarists Matt DeSear and the previously mentioned Fernandez cleverly and consistently layer their parts throughout much of the album's duration, allowing the band to create a rich sound out of easily separable rhythm and lead guitar parts. The guitarists' abilities stand out in each song, but I'm partial to "A New Sun Rises," which sees the duo fusing metallic picking sequences with meaty chords and ending up with a markedly energetic sound. The remaining band members are average, though, as vocalist Ashton Goggans contributes a faceless scream and drummer Tyler Smith doesn't go much further than performing the bare necessities behind the kit.
With some additional variation in the vocals and snappier drumming, Anam Cara could eventually get some credit. In the end, this EP is missing the originality and interesting texture that would make it a far more enthralling listen, but contains well-written, accessible and enjoyably melodic material. Anam Cara's debut effort isn't terrible, but only those heavily interested in Underoath's "The Changing Of Times" or some Thrice and Beloved material should actually bother checking this band out.
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