If you’re a young band looking to build your reputation you need to make your early release matter. They need to be interesting, musically engaging and give listeners a reason to either want to hear more or check out a show. Happily ‘For Present, For Past’ the new offering from Norwich’s Lightscape ticks all of these boxes.

From the kick off, its clear they’ve created a potent, brash and highly accessible take on heavy rock. Simmering electronics, skyscraper sized riffs and a purposeful rhythm section all make the scale of the soundscape impressive throughout the three tracks on offer. But it’s the vocals that really steal the show. They bring power, range and a poise to their delivery that brings to mind the likes of Young Guns’ Gus Wood.

There’s versatility too, ‘Blinded By The Lights’ hints at some solid metal chops while ‘Running’ occasionally strays into post-hardcore territory to with fair results.

‘For Present, For Past’ is a commendable addition to their young back catalogue. Although if anything it’s too short, and it leaves the listener wondering exactly what could have been produced if they’d pushed themselves just a little harder. The real test of an up and coming band is if they can keep the quality rolling over a longer number of tracks and on that front we’ll just have to wait and see. Still, fans of Young Guns, We Are The Ocean and even Fightstar on the hunt for new music could do far worse then giving Lightscape their undivided attention.

3.5/5

‘For Present, For Past’ EP by Lightscape is released on September 2nd.

Lightscape links: Website|Facebook|Twitter

Words by Dane Wright (@MrDaneWright)