GuiltmakerGuiltmaker is from Tampa, FL, one of the many hotbeds in Florida for the indie rock/screamo/post-hardcore stuff. Their members spent time in the bands Reversal of Man, Combat Wounded Veteran, and Early Grace, which were more of hardcore bands than anything else. Like many musicians, they matured in their musical aspirations and decided to take their musical endeavors into the indie rock scene. It seems only natural to progress from hardcore to indie rock. Which kind of annoys me, it's like hey, hardcore is for the kids and once you get into your late 20's, people think you have to mature and start listening to hipster bullshit. Which is fine, but don't do it because you think you have to, hopefully these guys aren't like that. All that aside, this is a solid four song EP that shows strong song writing ability, catchy hooks, and choruses that range in moods which make for a good atmosphere for the listener. For some reason this reminds me of Spitalfield's first EP, which is actually quite good because though this isn't usually my style, I do however, appreciate it when done properly and this band does. They draw their influences from bands like Jawbox, Shiner, Quicksand, and Giant's Chair. The songs are consistent in length, ranging from 3:24 to 4:12 in length. Lyrically, they are real artsy and abstract..."It's too late, cause I'm the sun in your blind eyes.." Good stuff.
This EP has some real strong production. They did good by going to the Rec. Room studios, where some of the most well known and widely acclaimed indie rock and post-hardcore groups have recorded at. The vocals jumped out at me as being a little low in the mix but the more I listened to it, it had to have been intentional because they sound great against the music. The bass tone couldn't get any better for this style of music, it pulses in the background and sometimes rumbles over the guitars in certain parts when needed. The drums sound great, nice warm, well rounded tone on the bass drum and snare. The guitars ring out in perfect clarity, great for the melodic layers the band creates. While I don't get the significance of the plant like vines that dominate the layout, it looks good and gives you a good idea of what the band would sound like. Good use of white, with the red, almost pink like band logo and with the greenery. Inside, it's pretty basic but it's sufficient. Just one page with the lyrics printed in green in a short story like arrangement. There are some typos and what not in some of the lyrics, which seems real common as of late. But not having some gay, cliche band photo makes up for it though.
Rating: 3/5
Songs worthy of replay: Silent Eyes
Thesis: This is a solid EP. I would've liked a 5th track though to really call this an EP. Much better than a lot of the post hardcore stuff coming out these days. Be on the lookout for these guys and Kiss of Death records, you'll be hearing a lot more from in the months to come.