VMBRA – DELAPSVS
VMBRA – DELAPSVS
Self-Released
Release Date: 12/04/24
Running Time: 27:17
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
For the most part, my role as a writer introduces me to new artists from across the world. It’s rare I get them from my current city of Manchester. It’s rare that I’m asked to write about a band I’ve already seen perform previously and wrote about said performance. It’s even rarer that I’m asked to write about a band who ticks all of these boxes and are one that I’m genuinely a fan of. The band I’m referring to are Manchester’s new kids on the block and Progressive Metal standouts VMBRA. Having formed 3 years ago and with a debut EP to their name (“RESVRGAM”), it was really the year of 2023 when the quartet began to build some traction.. This included a semi-final performance in that year’s hotly contested Metal To The Masses initiative, headline slots, and beginning to build a phenomenal reputation for their live show. For all these reasons and more, I was genuinely excited to get my hands on this before many others could!
‘Echelon’ has a more upbeat and fun vibe to it, especially with the introduction of folk /acoustic instruments to provide a Celtic feel. One that you’ll find yourself doing the river dance to if you’re not careful. Guitarist Jack takes more of a lead vocal role for the first and last time in this EP, with regular lead vocalist Ai taking more of a back seat. Though the two do complement each other brilliantly when performing in harmony. Something that I’d like to have seen more of on this EP. Some of the individual and collective brilliance of the musicians is on show here, especially towards the latter stages of the song. Bassist Pete and drummer Kieran hold down the fort with some exquisite jazz inspired grooves, which affords the guitar a license to roam and quite frankly go feral over the top! Honestly, Jack’s solo is crazy but in all the best ways. There’s absolutely nothing conventional here; the originality and creativity is outstanding.
From lively and upbeat to austere and dramatic in ‘No Trace’. This opens with a quieter passage where Ai’s voice is calm, almost soothing, yet you sense tension is building. Rather than being relegated to root notes and hiding in the shadows, the bassline is the melodic focal point as the song begins to gradually build to a crescendo. When this comes, Ai shows the strength in her range with a powerhouse of a vocal performance! I’m getting a Within Temptation vibe here, and it’s wonderful! No conventional song structure here either. It’s a constant journey and you never quite know what’s coming next.
Fancy a throwback to the early days of Progressive Rock, in the style of Marillion and Genesis et al? Check out the lead guitar riff that dominates the opening to ‘Make Us Smile’ and you’ll get that! The highlight of the song for me. Though the whole song is another Progressive Metal masterclass with shifts and changes in dynamics and patterns that you’d never thought were coming. This is achieved through another softer middle before throwing in hook after hook, providing melodic focal points that are guaranteed to plough their way into your subconscious .
‘Creed’ offers a much spicier and electronic number in the early stages, again displaying versatility for the quartet in their compositional approach. Now, did I mention how strong Ai’s voice was in earlier songs? That was just a warm up for her lung busting efforts here –“SPIRALLING DOWN AND DOWN” . A chorus dripping in raw emotion and a passion that’s simply palpable! It’s incredible. Much in the same way genre heavyweights Leprous would build some of their best songs around huge dramatic choruses, VMBRA have taken this energy and replicated this winning formula here. If you were to only listen to one song, make it this!
So, what’s missing from this album? Why is it an 8 or not a 9 or 10 even? Having seen the band live several times, it feels as though they haven’t really captured that intensity and energy they have on that stage. This leaves the band with two options really for their next release. Invest significant amounts of cash and time to improve their collective recording and engineering skills. Or simply record a live album! Why not? They’ve clearly got the talent to do this. As a former promoter, a good live video is the measure of the band and could be make or break when deciding to book a band. As a punter, I’ve parted with my cash and bought tickets after being enamoured by the live video of an artist. As both a writer and genuine fan of the band, VMBRA are certainly worth all of this and more. A band who are heading in the right direction for sure and have an exciting future in this business.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Echelon
02. No Trace
03. Make Us Smile
04. Creed
LINE-UP:
Ai Sanchez – Vocals & Keys
Jack Hogg – Vocals & Guitar
Pete Cook – Bassist
Kieran Byrne – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
