River City Ransom’s self-titled EP is an asset to hardcore/punk. The York based quintet who have shared stages with the likes of Polar and Palm Reader have exploded onto the scene with an enviable 5 track record, bursting with power and raw talent.

The sound that River City Ransom generates encompasses the influences of Alexisonfire and The Bronx to name but a few, producing a unique slant on their sound and setting the band apart from others in the hardcore/punk scene.

A blend of two vocalists is perfect for a band of this genre, a technique that River City Ransom executes particularly well in both ’Strength of the Sun’ and ‘Fear and Loathe.’ Their combination of sung vocals and raw growls play to their strengths, with an overlap of both vocal types creating memorable sections in their songs. With such strong vocals on top of energy fuelled riffs the band has produced tracks that make them more than worthy of a pat on the back.

The Yorkshire five-piece are definitely ones to keep an eye out for in the near future: producing an EP as strong and memorable as this can only lead to great things for River City Ransom. A record definitely worth checking out for those of you who love a bit of honest hardcore/punk!

4/5

‘River City Ransom’ EP by River City Ransom is released on July 2nd.

River City Ransom links: Facebook|Twitter

Words by Hannah Gillicker