St. Alban’s quintet Floods have been popping up at gigs and festivals over the last few years, becoming well-known for their fast and electric live shows. Signed to Small Town Records, they’ve been creating their self-titled album for the last three years. A pretty damn long time, but it’s been worth it.
They launch into ‘Black Waves’, a track that is more familiar with their hardcore fans. Burning with power, the low, guttural screams slide smoothly over the well-oiled clean cut vocals; it’s a trait that most may be sick of because so many bands use the same technique, but Floods use it to great effective. The roars combined with the smooth make for a stellar opening track.
Tracks such as ‘Hotel Coopar’ and ‘Jamie Tatlow’ are blistering tracks. Crushing speed and aggression together, their shredding riffs are lightning quick and are full of energy. Demonic, pulsating drumming throbs during ‘Hallowed Words’, a song driven with brutal emotion.
Lead single ‘98’ packs a punch; with a strong and melodic bassline, Floods really know what they’re doing. Furious screams layer upon gritty riffs, creating a well-oiled and working machine that seems to be bouncing off the walls. Their energy levels are through the roof and are in danger of causing explosions.
Closing off with ‘Moving On’, Floods have released an incredibly strong album. Not many bands would be able to do that, but the hype surrounding this St. Alban’s quintet is thoroughly deserved. With electricity running through their veins, they’re a spark ready to ignite.
4/5
‘Floods’ by Floods is available now on Small Town Records.
Floods links: Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr
Words by Jessica Tagliani (@JessTagliani)
