Battling an 18 month period of turmoil can not only knock the confidence of a young band but also can help to strengthen one out of the abyss. Anti-Vigilante return with a more focused and re-energised second album of their ferocious skacore sound that is a tribute to the life of an old friend and loved one.
Having heard some of the new material live 5 months previously, the anticipation for this record was carved in stone, and sure enough it has been revealed to be an accomplished piece of art that any young band should be proud of and any music lover should admire.
Musically, ‘Tempest’ unleashes a fury-filled hardcore volley of raw heavy guitars and head-pummelling drums. Whilst the ska elements of the band’s sound are more reserved this time round in comparison to previous material, they help to support the heavier moments to greater effect, most significantly on ‘Go Outside and Play’ and ‘Remember Jean Charles de Menezes’. As well as an improvement on heaviness, songs such as ‘Create the Fear, Sell the Solution’ demonstrate creeping melodies that signify a dwindling hope that is struggling to break through the tension and chaos.
Overall, a combination of progression in the band’s sound and a crisper production by Peter Miles has helped to truly define Anti-Vigilante as a band.
However, the most impressive feature of ‘Tempest’ is the poetic nature of the band’s lyrics which provide an interesting take on the themes of the record from political injustices and corruption to losses of passion and pride to living life to the fullest and being grateful for what you have. Highlights of this stand out in spectacular fashion on the songs ‘The Heresy of Cynicism’ and ‘The Rot’. Such lyrical craftwork helps the band stand out from a lot of their peers in the skacore genre.
All in all, Anti-Vigilante have created a record that improves and progresses many of the basic blueprints of the hard hitting skacore sound that they established on their debut, 2009’s ‘Secure Beneath the Watchful Eyes’. Using emotions from the pain and loss of their drummer, Oli Smith to fuel and drive the themes and subjects they spread in their intricate lyrics which is enhanced by the tense, heavy, and eerie output of their instruments, they not only have created record which bites and shows their teeth but also have made a fitting tribute. Whatever the band make after this record will no doubt surpass expectations of the band’s search for “light in the rain.”
4/5
‘Tempest’ by Anti-Vigilante is available now.
Anti-Vigilante links: Facebook|
Words by Aaron Lohan
