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Italy’s Afterwards proves that the confines of provincial living can be surpassed. Based in Thiene, a small town in proximity to Venice, the band was quick to make a name for themselves just two months after forming in fall 2013. All four members are pushing 20, which seems second nature to the finesse they have built in their short time together. Released in May of this year, the band’s follow-up, Rage, fuses aquatic reverb sensibilities with punchy new wave styled hooks. With the assistance of Maurizio Baggio, one of Northern Italy’s most acclaimed producers, the band’s sound is given a sleeker, more widespread appeal. The presentation of this EP is excellently established in the first track “Abigayle”. From its Edge-inspired string plucking to its varietal drumming phases, I was instantly drawn in. As a huge fan of international music in general, I didn’t care that the singer’s English was a bit spotty. What mattered was that I not only understood the lyrics, but could relate to them on a deep level. They effectively evoke the feeling of a protracted recovery from heartbreak, with both subtle and blunt expressions of pain. In the midst of that pain, the singer feels paralyzed to the extent that that he contemplates how he wants to die (“Gloom”). He then decides that the only sensible alternative to death would be to “hide behind [his] dreams”. There’s some solid layering in this song, the pinch harmonics and bass capped by a smooth lead melody. Once again, the drums are a definite strength. The fills are simple and direct, and the second half of each chorus is especially full of impact. In the third track, “Something New,” the lines of the second verse (“I wonder why we die inside/Sounds strange enough but we don’t mind”) really resonated with me. The fact that we are bound to experience some type of inevitable loss is only natural, as we will most likely chase something else to make us whole again. I like how the vocals model off the bass line during the verses. There’s a type of elasticity in the guitar solo that sounds all the more interesting with the additional effects. When I got to the final track, “The Unattainable,” I was blown away. The intro drum presents itself as relatively quiet, but then blooms into full instrumentation. This is also an instance where the band’s producer showcases the extent of his talent, as each component is cleverly and smartly mixed. I also connected strongly with the theme of the song, as it had to do with being victim to selective emotional distance, as well as being forced to suck up the pain and move forward. The post-chorus melody is tightly crafted and somehow reminiscent of ‘90s Midwestern indie rock bands, which coincidentally fits the lyrical theme. The plucking guitar solo around the 2:50 mark is something I could listen to over and over. When it reaches the climactic point, it perfectly accentuates the choir that gleams through the remainder of the song. Overall, Rage sufficiently demonstrates the combined power of band and producer. Each of the four tracks has definite potential to reach a broad alternative rock audience. The band’s dynamic is crisp on the ears, allowing for the void of broken hearts everywhere to be not only filled, but understood. I sincerely hope Afterwards finds an indie label soon. Any label owner with keen musical sensibilities and an open mind would do no wrong signing them straight away! Alpha Beata:
Hello and welcome to this single review brought to you by Alpha Beata music blog. Today I have an Italian based indie band for you that are starting to jump the music ladder big time as this is definitely one record to be talked about and i’m here to tell you why. Afterwards have released a new single from their upcoming EP called Rage that really explores the depths of indie music at its finest. The music coming out of Italy right now could definitely something to keep an eye on if this is the quality they’re producing. This has all the characteristics of a UK born and bred band with the unique sound as well as the small indentations involved in this song. Abigayle shows off what this band are really made of, with twists and turns in the song at every beat. The lead guitar really carries this song with its high pitched tones that bring fourth a lot of colour within this record. A subtle tone of the heavy rhythm guitar and drums and you have a blessing in disguise. A grand demonstration of the lead guitar, is in the introduction and the final sections of this track. I must point out too that the backing vocals really add an element throughout that would make the song completely lost had they not been involved.Afterwards 5 Coming from the introduction, this record sounded like it was going to be of a jungle or Brazilian genre with the djembe, but this was spun round within a matter of seconds to a full blown indie song. The lead vocals during the verses sound almost haunting, verging on the dull side (in a good way), but still keeps a firm grip on the characteristics displayed. The record really comes to life in the chorus vocally accompanied with the band in the instrumental breakdowns. Afterwards have definitely caught my attention with this single as well as the rest of the EP. I encourage you all to go check the EP out for more work from this band if you enjoy this single. My personal choice is the track Something New if this band tickles your fancy for more music. Music Is My Radar:
MIMR brings you a 1st next on the playlist, as we introduce Italian four-piece Afterwards with a cut from their 2nd EP ‘Rage’. Its a storming track, full of enough powerful vocals and catchy riffs to find a place in any indie disco. Its a pulsating journey that the whole EP takes you on, hold on tight and enjoy the ride Mixtape Couture:
Italian quartet Afterwards have recently released their second EP 'Rage' following up the success of their debut 7 track EP '12/12' which was released back in 2013. Since then the band, whose influences include the likes of Foals and Peace, have been working on this latest EP and playing gigs in their local area. The guys released this EP back in May but immediately had to put everything on hold for their exams, but now summer has rolled around they are back and ready to go with a mini tour in the South of Italy booked as well as looking for a label. It is a quiet build up into opening track ‘Abigayle’ and you can already hear the nod to Foals with the shimmering, echoey guitar sound used here. Though just because they take influence from their musical loves doesn’t mean that this song isn’t entirely their own. With heavier, rhythm focused choruses becoming the focal point where fast guitars propel us through alongside pounding drums and a big vocal sound. The vocals hold the most interest for me; being mostly lethargic in delivery yet somehow still maintaining a little bit of the Italian edge to them as well. An atmosphere laden opening brings us into 'Gloom’ where softer sounds echo around the edges while guitar chords tinkle over the top, creating melody in sparseness. Like the last track, this is a very accomplished piece as melodies flow, the rhythm toes the line between calming and danceable and the vocals play with harmony. The final minute is where the band really lets loose showcasing their talent as they do away with the vocals and just playing; guitar lines soar and drum beats take over with their hard hit patterns. Instantly you can tell ‘Something New’ is the polar opposite on the musical spectrum to the last track. More upbeat with infectious melodies, synth notes which add an 80’s pop feel and vocals that flow with everything else adding to the happy vibe. This is a great summer tune and while it obviously takes a lot from pop music in terms of catchiness, it still remains alternative indie rock at its heart with warped guitar chords and a strong drum beat featuring heavily. Hollow sounding guitar create a fast and uptempo rhythm from the off on ‘The Unattainable’ making this another poppy number. Although, this one is slightly more subdued in its delivery and where the last one made you want to dance, this one makes you want to sway while you drift off into a pretty lovely sounding world these guys have created here. Though it is in the choruses where a heavier side is created with crashing drums and cymbals, shouted vocals and intricately yet quickly played guitars. Another great song that plays us out of this short EP. Ear To The Ground Music:
If you were to make a list of places that represent rock and roll, Italy would have a difficult time cracking the list. Yet if alt rockers Afterwards are any sign of the Italian music scene, then the future is brighter than ever. Combining eerie instrumentation with smoke laced lyrics; the boys are able to create a sound without borders in their new EP Rage. The aptly named set of four songs, rage at a pace that would make bands like Foals blush. Flirting with a hard sound but never fully leaving their Lo fi atmospheric roots, the band plays with chemistry and a deep commitment to being their own band, labels be damned. It is rare to come across a band who makes your entire body convulse with such rock infused abandon that you nearly break your laptop from a wicked air drum session (true story). It is an understatement to say I loved this band. Immediately you hear the Foals influence on album opener “Abigayle” before the band blazes their own path. Starting subdued enough before exploding in Cloud Nothings type vocals over relentless guitar. The dark tune uses vocals to compliment the true beauty of the song – the interplay of instruments into one of my favorite rock tunes of the year. Spanning over five minutes, the band throws rock sensibility out the window in favor of creating something unmatched by anything on rock radio currently. “Gloom” is another interesting jam that will have listeners raging in the rock environment the band creates exquisitely. A tune that handles the thought of dying alone, it is surprisingly empowering ending with a fuzzed out guitar driven noisescape. “Something New” might be classified as a punk pop song, but a good one no doubt. The drums are particularly amazing on this shorter straightforward rock track. It is the most hopeful of the four tracks even while it illustrates the monotony of daily life. It contrasts nicely with album closer “The Unattainable” which soars in giant rock proclamation. The band’s chemistry is beautiful in this track. With ego aside, the boys climb into a whole different level of rock economy. Half classic rock and half new wave, the band might draw parallels to 30 Seconds to Mars with this particular operatic tune. This is the way some of the best albums end, with hope and dreams of a more meaningful future. Afterwards cross many genres without stretching or getting too comfortable with any specific label. These young guys from Italy are able to stand out from the current crowded landscape and deliver something powerful and loud. These four songs truly do Rage. You can support great music by downloading their previous album here. |
'Rage' EP - Listen |