Soul Jacker - WAR EP

EP review by; DeeDee 

 

Since the death defying ‘Fantasmagoria’ from December 2020, I have been an avid Soul Jacker follower. Although, I first encountered the band, on the NWOCR Webfest 3. Listening to something original and unique, they stuck in my head for ages. It was an added bonus to sample their debut album. The band have been together since 2018 and are a 4 man outfit from North Wales. After winning a US competition with the EP ‘Nocebo’ the guys were signed to Atomic Records. Due to Covid putting gigs and touring on hold, the band have spent a lot of time writing. The result is a 3 track EP entitled ‘WAR’ and it’s due to be dropped on July 9th.    

 

WAR - Hard hitting and aggressive, the title track takes you along a rugged and punishing route. With the repeating vocals making it more strident and focused, the song attacks and grabs you and there’s no release. The drums are frequently dominant and then a whirling guitar break lets in some air. An incredible piece that really has it all. Soul Jacker have this sound that lies somewhere between post punk rock and alternative, but the path is often difficult to follow and that’s what makes them so inspiring.  

 

THE PROBLEM TODAY IS EXISTING - This is quite a simple melody with a tribal, Shaman chanting effect. Drums hollow out the basic rhythm and Andy Salter gradually builds the vocals into this exotic and mind chilling piece of work. It’s only just two minutes in length, but has all the charisma you crave. Love to hear this track extended in the future, it has so much character. It’s primitive and unburdened and another reason I like this band so much. They can take a fundamental idea and manage to create something that is so crushingly perfect. The music video and lyrics will be available from the bands social pages soon, explaining the meaning behind the track, although the title speaks volumes.   

 

NOTHING - Delicate and soothing, ‘Nothing’ is like an acoustic jam. The band turns the balance down and the song gently sways in the breeze. Lovely to hear them on a lighter side and as it flows into the last few chords, you are left feeling that the contrast between the songs, could not have been more diverse and unorthodox.     

 

Yet again I am left in awe at the freshness and encapsulating effect Soul Jacker have on me. I am sure there is more to follow; another album must be in the pipeline. Also, I have yet to see them live, damn Covid. 

 

5/5

 

Follow Soul Jacker on Facebook, the War EP is released soon but tracks are already available on their page. There are also links to how to purchase ‘WAR’ and news of upcoming gigs. 

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/souljackerv.2

 

Subscribe to the YouTube page - https://www.youtube.com/c/SoulJacker

 

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