Chasing Waves
The press release labels the opening song from Welsh crew Giving In To Ghosts as, an ideal sampler for the shape of things to come; a fine observation if by-the-book melodic metalcore is what is desired, but this does the remainder of the EP little justice. Rapture ploughs through four minutes of faceless mediocrity, albeit executed well and with the lead guitarist keeping the band afloat with well written melodic licks. The heavier side of the music is hugely effective when executed at the right moments, but feels almost inanely bolted on at other times.
The guitar melodies are tastefully crafted and well thought out throughout, adding a post-hardcore twist on EP highlights Chasing Waves and To The Sun that keeps the music from drowning in a wash of barely tolerable melodic metal. The clean vocals sound almost comically soft in response to James Hardiman's growls, but as the EP progresses it becomes apparent that Michael Thomas' voice is the strongest and most unique aspect of the band's sound, adding a sense of emotive spirit and vulnerability that works wonders for the feel of the songs. The growled vocals certainly aren't weak, but when overused they become the main cause of GITG's at-times generic existence. The strength of the melodies and the impressively driving nature of the EP is enough to pull them through however, and besides, the screams and the breakdowns, it will undoubtedly down a storm with many fans of the genre.
Certainly not a band to write off without a listen, Giving In To Ghosts play their music with a huge amount of conviction and have created an EP with some genuinely interesting moments and strong melodic hooks that will hopefully start to define their sound more and more as they progress.