Brooding, Powerful UK Grunge
'Victoriana' is Liverpool group The Most Terrifying Thing's debut album and with the band having attracted attention merely for their name in the past (their previous moniker was bought by the group now known as 'Audioslave'), it looks set to be a exciting ride.
Stylised, slick and edgy like a fine-tuned sports car racing through the darkened streets, 'Programmed' combines a hypnotic set of riffs with tense verses for the perfect melodic opener. The curious clashes of guitar notes really keep the listener on the edge of their seat.
'Pop Song' creates a dark, ruminating atmosphere with chiming guitar notes exploding into massive chords that graze the forceful vocals. Although the high-paced guitarwork may be similarly dynamic as that of many nu-metal or Brit rock bands, The Most Terrifying Thing keep a relatively 'clean' and sharp sound that's particularly effective. The dramatic vocals of the chorus catch the most attention for 'Pain & Problematics' with crescendos of grungy guitars playing off each other in the background to create a driving tune that rips through your ears.
'Tiamo' and 'Silent Type' run off sorrowful, confused angst that's validated by guitars which crunch and squeal through the chorus and bubble full of malice and intent in the verses. 'Enemy in Me' lets the rhythm section take a starring role in the introduction to its vitriolic tale with emphatic drums and a constantly forceful bassline.
'Always In The Way' has a more pressing, gritty feel with speedy, rhythmic vocals passed over mellow guitar riffs; there's even a slight ska feel that carries the whole tune along with a laidback, but earnest pace. '80's Love Affair' has an anthemic quality about its racing guitarwork and emotional vocals that resonate deep in your head, it certainly has a radio-worthy appeal as the hooks literally knock you down with their infectious energy.
Recent single 'The Pianist' has an anxious sense of anticipation about it before it finally reaches a chorus with deliciously airy vocals that soar about the cloud of swirling guitar sounds. Current single 'Things Always Change' continues the run of strong, charismatic tunes with its shimmering guitars and powerful vocals. Album closer 'Blackpool' is the most brash, full-on tune on the album with a flood of calling guitarwork and a groovy bassline that runs away with the tune and provides a perfect, captivating end to this lithe album.
Heavily emotion-laden rock, catchy tunes and racing riffs, The Most Terrifying Thing have a fantastic, frenetic sound that's sure to rack up some fans in the coming months.