Adam KeysEarl Grey – The Times You Cross My Mind (Midsummer Records)
Genre – Post-hardcore / indie-punk
Hailing from Mönchengladbach and naming themselves after an English tea; Earl Grey are a fascinating concept. Shortly after releasing that debut EP, Earl Grey toured the UK and Europe, fast building an interest and popularity for their cathartic, passionate live shows.
After a couple of years of extensive touring and two Eps, the band teamed up with producer Sean Duddy (from hardcore band, Woes) to record their third EP The Times You Cross My Mind, and it’s seems they have now found the sound they’ve been searching for.
Opening with the aptly named Nothing, Earl Grey bring a juggernaut of tumbling, flourishing guitar lines to the table, before Malte Unnasch’s thunderous vocals kick in. This short, frank opener (1 minute 37 seconds) is a true explosion of punk, mixing a polished indie opening with a frantic, post hardcore, DIY sound that is truly infectious.
Malte Unnasch’s primal vocal style continues as the driving force of this EP throughout Never Sleep, Sink and Hallow. Malte’s ferocious, aggressive style dictates the pace, hitting you from the start of each track in blood boiling style.
Snake Hips sees Earl Grey revert to their opening style, where Tristan Bäumer, Eugen Naumenko and Moritz Mewes have an opportunity to show their craft. The drum / guitar chemistry on show highlights the talent of this band, showing them to be much more than a loud, screaming bunch of frustrated kids.
Earl Grey’s rugged yet polished sound is deeply rooted in hardcore, particularly in their vocal style (lyrics in English), but it’s their rock references that make them so interesting. The Times You Cross My Mind is their third EP, and their most complete piece of work to date. The next challenge will be a full length release, and if this is anything to go by, Earl Grey are more than ready to let loose!
RUSHONROCK RATED – 8.5/10 A good, strong brew!
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