LEEDS NEWBIES ‘REIVER’ DELIVER AN AMBITIOUS DEBUT

EP REVIEW | REIVER – A HIGHER STATE OF MIND FROM A LOWER POINT OF VIEW by Anne Kelly

Almost a full year to the day since their first live appearance, Leeds based alt-rock band Reiver haven’t wasted any time laying down some tunes and today (8/11) share their debut EP A Higher State of Mind From A Lower Point Of View. Featuring the recent singles ‘Mylingar’ and ‘Compromise’ the EP features a further three previously unreleased tracks, each showcasing a different side to their developing talents.

Thrusting in with their latest single ‘Compromise’, the band quickly establish themselves as a throwback to the early 2000’s post-hardcore scene that defined a generation. From the very first note, it’s clear that ‘Compromise‘ draws heavily from the My Chemical Romance playbook. Their sound is laced with anthemic emocore guitar riffs that are both reminiscent and energetic.

The songs on this EP delve into the emotional turmoil that comes with compromise, a theme which everybody can relate to in some sense. ‘Beyond Yourself‘ reveals the more pop punk side of Reiver; a track which reflects a more melodic direction for the band, however may leave some listeners yearning for the energetic punch found in it’s predecessor. At times, the energy feels a bit stale, and while the song flows naturally, I kept expecting a big anthemic climax that tries but struggles to push through.

‘Guardian Angel‘ is a desolating yet deeply personal exploration of grief. The lyricist pours their soul into the song, conveying the bittersweet experience of losing someone dear whilst simultaneously feeling their guiding presence. The song kicks off with an acapella first verse, drawing listeners in with its raw simplicity creating an intimate atmosphere, inviting the listener to feel the weight of the lyrics even before the instrumentation kicks in. As the song progresses, it steps up a gear, bringing in energetic guitar riffs and rhythmic drumming which captures the emotion of the track really well.

The penultimate track of the EP is not only the band’s first single release but also their strongest offering yet. ‘Mylingar’ embraces a grungier approach that suits the lead vocals best, creating a raw yet polished sound. The song seamlessly blends elements of alternative rock with a folk style waltz rhythm, resulting in a haunting beauty within the track. The highlight of the song comes around the 3 minute mark with a rumbling bass breakdown, heightening the sense of desolation. ‘Mylingar‘ continues to echo the nostalgic vibes of early 00’s alternative music and stands out as a perfect example of the bands versatility.

Finally, the EP wraps up with ‘Lost’, and it’s a perfect match for the emocore vibe of tracks 2 and 3. It might feel a bit predictable at points, but that doesn’t take away from its charm. Sometimes, sticking to what you know can be incredibly satisfying and with the right listener, ‘Lost’ will feel a warm embrace on a cold day. Again, the best moment comes around the 3 minute mark where we have another quiet breakdown and when the chorus kicks back in, it returns with an even greater sense of urgency.

A Higher State of Mind From A Lower Point Of View is a bit of a mixed bag for me. All five tracks show immense potential in Reiver as songwriters; the concepts are all there and they have a blueprint of how to execute them but unfortunately they don’t quite bite just yet. The style of music is all about the melodrama and a lot of that energy is stipulated from the production side of things which for most bands at this level can’t achieve. A very ambitious effort and a good collection of songs which with the right production I believe could be explosive.