Review by; Kayleigh
Following up from the release of their ‘Barracuda’ cover, New Zealand rockers Devilskin continue with fierce energy in their new EP ‘Surfacing’.
Formed in June of 2010 in New Zealand, Devilskin are comprised of four individually talented musicians, that come together to create the powerhouse that is Devilskin. Jennie Skulander fronting the band with her alluring dynamite vocals, Nails delivering high energy guitar work, with a lot of experience in music Paul Martin brings the strong and aggressive bass while his son, Nic, the youngest member of the band completes the line-up.
Straight off the bat Devilskin launch you into a heavy hard rock anthem. ‘The Whale Song’ is easily one of my favourites on the ‘Surfacing’ EP and I can’t help but be in awe of the talent shown here. From the opening gritty, heavy riff I was hooked, then the thump of the drums come in luring me in further. Vocally Skulander is incredible, from the power at the beginning reminding me a bit of the likes of Lzzy Hale to the more growly rough vocals she shows off as the track gets heavier, I am so obsessed.
Next on the EP Devilskin have their first cover, and covering a huge well-known and too be honest over-covered track like ‘Holy Diver’ was a choice, and for Devilskin this was the right one. They completely make this song their own giving it their explosive rock spin. From the phenomenal raspy rock vocals to the large guitars Devilskin very much do this track justice.
Another cover is the recent single from Devilskin, Hearts 1977 track ‘Barracuda’. This one seems to just make sense for Devilskin, they already have a similar sort of style to Heart with Devilskin just being a little bit on the heavier side. The New Zealand group aren’t afraid to lean into their own heaviness with this one giving listeners an irresistible experience. As much as I really like this one though, I am more of a fan of the ‘Holy Diver’ cover, but I feel that’s just down to personal taste.
Fourth track ‘Let Me Breathe’ takes us back to Devilskins original material. This one is proving to be one of Devilskins more popular tracks on the EP and I would say it is the heaviest. You can feel the anger whether it comes from the driven rhythm section or the fast guitars in the intro, or the emotion charged power of the vocals. Vocally in ‘Let Me Breathe’ we get to hear more of the gutturals than in any other song and they are impressive. Yet as much as this is a very good song, I just couldn’t get into it as much as others on the EP, I found it lacking a little something, the chorus came across a little simple and don’t get me wrong I think this track would go off in a live setting but in the record, it just wasn’t as strong.
‘Insects’ comes in with a lot of promise and it doesn’t disappoint, it’s bouncy with an anthemic chorus that oozes with energy and authority. While the drums crash the guitars deliver a heavy riff and once again those fired up vocals take control. We even get a little taste of Skulanders softer more angelic tone towards the end of this track. ‘Insects’ is a song that will catch people’s attention.
Closing ‘Surfacing’ is the stunning ‘Unborn’, it’s a soaring track that slows things down a little but doesn’t for a second drop Devilskins power fuelled energy. I think I made a Halestorm reference earlier and this track really sits within the same sort of place. ‘Unborn’ is clearly very emotional and the opening soft vocals and guitars will let you take in the story before Devilskin take it up a notch, exploding into the hard rock ballad this song becomes.
‘Surfacing’ is an EP that will make you want to stop and listen. All the six-tracks are epic in their own right, and I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of these guys before now. I would best describe them as Alter Bridge crossed with Halestorm and finished off with a dash of 1970’s hard rock. Devilskin are definitely going on the list of bands I have to see live, but in the meantime, I will continue to listen to this EP while also checking out the rest of their discography.
4.5 out of 5
Tracklist
The Whale Song
Holy Diver
Barracuda
Let Me Breathe
Insects
Unborn
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