10 Years – Inner Darkness EP
10 Years – Inner Darkness EP
Mascot Records
Release Date: 11/10/2024
Running Time: 25:12
Review by Beth Morait
8/10
Alt Rock is such a wide scoping genre, where you really can get a bit of everything. And Tennessee Alt Rockers, 10 Years, certainly take that idea and run with it on their new EP, “Inner Darkness”. It’s an eclectic mix of classic Rock riffs and hooks, commercial vocals, and the occasional scream and burst of chunkiness that would please most metal fans.
‘The Optimist’ begins the EP. And we get two versions of this song, one is the straight band version, and one which features guest vocals from Conquer Divide’s vocalist, Kia Taylor. Opening with a repeated riff full of promise, this track very quickly kicks into a great Modern Rock track, with more than a hint of influence from Linkin Park and the like. It’s a very singable track, and you will absolutely be humming along with the chorus by the time it’s on its second cycle. It’s interesting to hear both versions of the song, and compare and contrast them.
‘Gravity’ starts in a similar style, but it’s a little more Progressive, with some switching around, and some lush vocal harmonies, which give way to an acoustic and orchestral section in the middle, that laments a melancholy ballad into the listener’s ears.
This progressive theme is also seen in ‘The Trench’, with a host of cross rhythms throughout. It also makes nice use of samples and synth, keeping the sound really current. And we get the screams in here, too, which add an extra dimension to the otherwise clean vocals of the song.
‘I Remember’ brings things firmly back to Classic Hard Rock, and there’s even an 80s synth-style melody line running through it.
This is a strong EP, there’s no doubt about that. It’s very current, and full of great songs. But I’m left wondering why they stuck at just an EP? In my opinion they could have added another couple of tracks and turned it into a full-blown album. It deserves to be an album, because of the solid work on display here.
For fans of Linkin Park, and Classic Hard Rock outfit, and anyone who likes to dabble in a bit of Modern Metal, there’s something in this EP for you. Check it out.
‘The Optimist’ (Feat. Conquer Divide) Official Video:
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Optimist
02. I Remember
03. Rise
04. The Optimist (feat. Conquer Divide)
05. Gravity
06. Speechless
07. The Trench
LINE-UP:
Jesse Hasek – Vocals
Brian Vodinh – Guitar (live)/ Drums, Bass, Backing Vocals (recording)
Matt Wantland – Guitar/ Synth Programming
LINKS:
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